DAVAO CITY – A male Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) will be released back into its home in Sarangani on Monday, June 13, more than a year after it was rescued in Barangay Ticulab, Maitum, Sarangani, Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) Development Program Manager Andi Baldonado said.
In an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) Wednesday, June 8, Baldonado said that the foundation will work with the local government units and communities in the province to ensure the safety of “Sarangani Eagle” previously named “Salagbanog” as well as the preservation of its species, classified as critically endangered.
The release will culminate the Philippine Eagle Week 2022 celebration from June 6 to 13.
A T’boli farmer found the raptor trapped in thorny rattan vines after hunting a monkey near Salagbanog Falls on Jan. 8, 2021.
The eagle underwent rehabilitation after undergoing a surgery to remove a piece of marble lodged near its right clavicle. The marble might have been used as a bullet by a hunter, according to PEF.
“We will release the Philippine eagle Sarangani, one of those we rescued. It’s deemed fit for release and we have the support of the LGU there and we can finally do this, this coming Monday,” Baldonado said.