TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) reported the release last week of a Philippine Serpent Eagle in Cagayan and the discovery of new sea turtle nesting sites in Batanes.

In Cagayan, the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Alcala, in coordination with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Baggao and volunteer wildlife enforcement officials, released the eagle into a mountainous and forested area.

The eagle had been under the care of a private individual and returned to the wild after authorities determined that it was healthy and capable of surviving in its natural habitat.

Prior to its release, the bird underwent a health assessment by the municipal veterinarian of Baggao to ensure its fitness for life in the wild.

The DENR said its release contributes to maintaining ecological balance and supports efforts to increase the population of the species in the country.

In Batanes, personnel of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) discovered several sea turtle nesting sites during an inspection in Sabtang.

According to the DENR, the nests appear to be separate from previously documented nesting sites in the area, making the discovery a significant addition to existing wildlife records in the province.

PENRO has ordered close monitoring of the nests to protect them from disturbance and improve the chances of successful egg incubation and hatching.

Officials believe that additional sea turtle nesting habitats may exist within the Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes, prompting intensified wildlife monitoring and habitat assessment activities.

The DENR said the initiatives underscore the agency’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of critical wildlife habitats in Northern Luzon.