Recognition sought for farmer who rescued injured Philippine Eagle

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution seeking to recognize a farmer from Bukidnon who rescued an injured Philippine Eagle has been filed before the Senate.

Marvin Linoy, 21, was gathering fruits in a forest in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay on July 3 when he saw a group of monkeys attacking the raptor.

By imitating a dog’s bark, Linoy scared away the monkeys and rescued the injured, mud-soaked eagle.

He covered the eagle’s eyes with fern leaves and wrapped it in his jacket to stop it from trembling.

In filing Senate Resolution 519, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said Linoy deserved recognition for protecting one of the country’s rarest wildlife species.

Aside from Linoy, Zubiri also sought to recognize Junissa Docenos and Sanny Docenos of the Inhandig Tribal Multi-Purpose Cooperative, for helping Linoy rescue the eagle.

The raptor was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources before it was transferred to the Philippine Eagle Foundation for treatment and rehabilitation.

The PEF reported that the eagle is female and was suffering from dehydration and maggot infestation.

Results of radiographs showed two metallic objects that looked like gun pellets lodged in the right wing and left pelvic limb of the eagle. 

The PEF said the findings are consistent with a prior gunshot injury, and would be monitored throughout the rehabilitation period.

The foundation said the eagle is now recovering and will be transferred to the Philippine Eagle Center for continued rehabilitation and monitoring.

Government officials and wildlife conservation advocates lauded the rapid and coordinated response that saved the bird. 

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna thanked the indigenous peoples’ group that rescued and reported the eagle to proper authorities.

PEF executive director Dennis Salvador said the discovery of pellets in the bird’s body highlights the persistent threats that endangered species are facing.