On August 30, 2020, a sub-adult Philippine Eagle with its suggested name “Balikatan” was turned-over by Mr. Ryan Orquina of Bacuag, Surigao del Norte to DENR.
Per interview, Mr. Orquina said that he bought the endangered species from an Indigenous People (IP) of the ethnic group Mamanwa who reportedly captured the species 3 weeks ago from the forests encompassing Lahi, Sico-Sico, Camam-onan (LaSiCam), Gigaquit-Alegria portion.
His intention of buying was to save the eagle from possible food consumption or be bought by others & held as captive. The rescue & turn-over was witnessed & facilitated by the DENR CENRO Tubod – Conservation & Development Section (CDS) personnel from CENRO Tubod, Enforcement personnel from PENRO-SDN, DENR Caraga CDD-PABES Chief & Technical staff, a team from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and also Mr. Orquina with his immediate family.
The sub-adult, approximately 3-4 yrs old & a male, underwent a physical check to determine its health condition & has been tagged by the PEF. It weighs 3.8 kilograms with a total length of 92 cm & has a wingspan of 182 cm. It has a bill length of 10.4 cm & its tarsus length is 16 centimeters.
Per result, the eagle was declared healthy & fit. However, the rescued eagle had to be brought to the PEF facility in Davao for additional tests such as avian influenza & other required tests.
(DENR-CENRO, Surigao del Norte | PIA SDN | RPN DXKS Surigao)