A Senate resolution has been filed to honor a young indigenous farmer from Bukidnon who helped save an injured Philippine Eagle after finding it under attack by a troop of monkeys.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Wednesday, July 15 filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 519 recognizing the bravery of 21-year-old Marvin Linoy, who rescued the critically endangered bird near the Sawaga River in Dalawangan, Malaybalay City on July 3.

According to the resolution, Linoy was harvesting passion fruits in the forest when he heard unusual sounds and discovered about 30 monkeys attacking the eagle. The bird was reportedly covered in soil and visibly shaking from fear.

To stop the attack, Linoy imitated the barking of a dog, causing the monkeys to flee. He then improvised first aid by covering the eagle's eyes with fern leaves and wrapping it in his jacket to keep it calm while waiting for rescuers.

“Hindi pangkaraniwang tapang ang ipinakita ni Marvin. At 21, he kept his composure in a dangerous situation and found a way to protect a wounded Philippine Eagle until help arrived (Marvin showed extraordinary courage. At 21, he kept his composure in a dangerous situation and found a way to protect a wounded Philippine Eagle until help arrived),” Zubiri, a native of Bukidnon, said.

“Extra proud tayo sa kanya dahil taga-Bukidnon din tayo, at lalo na dahil isang ‘critically endangered’ species ang kanyang iniligtas,” he added.

Zubiri also praised Linoy's quick thinking during the incident.

“Presence of mind, malasakit and the courage to act ang ginamit niya. Dahil sa mabilis niyang pagresponde, nabigyan ng pagkakataong mabuhay ang isang Philippine Eagle na malinaw na nasa panganib (He drew on presence of mind, compassion, and the courage to act. Because of his quick response, a Philippine Eagle that was clearly in danger was given a chance to survive),” the senator noted.

The measure likewise acknowledges Junissa Valdueza Docenos and Sanny Docenos, fellow members of the Inhandig Tribal Multi-Purpose Cooperative, for helping Linoy during the rescue.

After the rescue, the Philippine Eagle was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources before being transferred to the Philippine Eagle Foundation for treatment and rehabilitation. The foundation later found that the adult female eagle was dehydrated and suffering from maggot-infested wounds.

The proposed resolution cites the Philippine Eagle Foundation's estimate that only around 400 breeding pairs of Philippine Eagles remain in the wild. The species is also listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Through Senate Resolution No. 519, the Senate seeks to formally recognize Linoy's courage and his role in protecting one of the country's most iconic and threatened wildlife species.

“Karapat-dapat kilalanin ito ng Senado. Sana ang ginawa ni Marvin ay makahikayat ng mas marami pang Pilipino na protektahan ang ating kagubatan (This deserves recognition by the Senate. Hopefully, what Marvin did will inspire more Filipinos to protect our forests),” Zubiri added.

The resolution states: “Resolved by the Senate of the Philippines to recognize and commend Marvin Linoy for his exemplary courage and heroism in rescuing an injured Philippine Eagle from imminent danger near the Sawaga River in Dalawangan, Malaybalay City, on 3 July 2026, thereby contributing to the protection and conservation of one of the nation’s most treasured and critically endangered wildlife species.”