
An owl rescued by a security guard in a memorial park in Rosario, Cavite, after having its wings entangled in a string, rendering it unable to fly (Photo from Sid Samaniego/MANILA BULLETIN)
CAVITE – A security guard rescued an owl whose wings were entangled in a string in a memorial park in Rosario, Cavite, on Monday, Feb. 17.
Security guard John Michael Dacles found the owl in distress while doing his rounds within the compound of a private cemetery.
Dacles immediately freed the owl from the string but it was unable to flap its wings and could no longer fly.
The guard placed the bird in a cage and brought it to the Rosario Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

An owl rescued by a security guard in a memorial park in Rosario, Cavite, after having its wings entangled in a string, rendering it unable to fly (Photo from Sid Samaniego/MANILA BULLETIN)
Rosario Public Information Officer Sid Samaniego told the Manila Bulletin that the owl is set to be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for examination and monitoring before it could be released back to its natural habitat.
MENRO Head Marconi Austria, meanwhile, said the owl may have ended up in the area while searching for food. He also urged the public to immediately coordinate with authorities if they encounter any wildlife, especially rare or endangered species.

An owl rescued by a security guard in a memorial park in Rosario, Cavite, after having its wings entangled in a string, rendering it unable to fly (Photo from Sid Samaniego/MANILA BULLETIN)
The rescued bird appears to be a barn owl, well-known for its role in controlling rodent populations, particularly in agricultural areas.
Although barn owls in the Philippines maintain a stable population, the DENR continues to emphasize their importance in maintaining ecological balance by helping control pests.