Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu has urged the public to continue reporting on the sighting of abandoned or injured wildlife species in order to provide them the necessary treatment and care.

"Let not this pandemic hinder us from helping and rescuing wildlife because this will help maintain the balance in our ecosystems," Cimatu said.

The DENR chief expressed his gratitude to the concerned citizens who continue to rescue and turn over wildlife species to the DENR despite the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We continue to encourage the public to turn over wildlife species to us, should these animals be immobilized," he said.

Just last January 16, an Orietal honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) was rescued in Barangay Caburacan in Castilla town, Sorsogon.

A local, Romeo Ibañez, said the bird appeared to be struggling to fly when it was found by his brother on January 15.

The Oriental honey buzzard was referred to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Sorsogon for its rescue.

Authorities have transported the bird to the Irosin Temporary Wildlife Rescue Center at Barangay Patag, Irosin, Sorsogon for proper treatment and care before it can be released back to the wild.

The raptor is currently listed as Other Wildlife Species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, which means the bird species is "not categorized as threatened."

DENR-Bicol Regional Executive Director Antonio Abawag echoed Cimatu's appeal to the public to report wild animals that need to be rescued for proper handling and release to its natural habitat.

"Owing to the continuous information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns being conducted by the DENR, there has been a steady increase in the number of public turnover of wildlife species to our field offices," Abawag said.