The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Davao Region (DENR-11) said Tuesday a thorough investigation is being conducted into the death of a Philippine eagle last week.
On July 8, Philippine Eagle “Mangayon” died from severe blood loss due to a wound from an improvised air gun called “jolen” (marble).
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas episode, DENR-11 Director Maria Mercedes Dumagan said DENR personnel, in close coordination with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), are still looking for the culprit responsible for the killing of Mangayon.
“Within the week, they (PEF) will coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation for the case build-up. But first, we have yet to identify the culprit,” Dumagan added.
Under Republic Act 9147, known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, illegal acts such as killing and destroying critically endangered wildlife species are punishable by law, with six years and one day to 12 years of imprisonment and a penalty ranging from PHP100,000 to PHP1 million.
Following the incident, Dumagan said they would intensify their information and education campaign in the communities.
“We need to intensify our information and education campaign so they can spare our critically endangered species like the Philippine eagle,” she said.
Dumagan also urged the public to help protect the environment and wildlife.
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