By Leilanie G. Adriano (Staff Reporter)
LAOAG CITY—The Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources on Dec. 7, 2020 released the rescued Brahminy kite, formerly known as red-backed sea eagle and locally known as “lawin,” into the wilds of a thickly forested mountain of Brgy. Sulbec in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
DENR personnel watched as the lawin as was set free from its cage.
At first, the bird seemed reluctant to leave the cage despite encouragement from the DENR personnel.
Eugenio R. Santos Jr., in-charge of the office of the chief, technical services division took custody of the Brahminy Kite after it was turned over to the DENR office on the afternoon of Dec. 5, 2020.
Mr. Santos said the Brahminy Kite is of the raptors species common in the Philippines and is considered as endangered and protected.
Initially, the DENR planned to turn over the Brahminy Kite to the Fort Ilocandia Bird Sanctuary but Mr. Santos said it is better if it they release to the wild to find his pack.
Considered as scavengers, he said these birds are known as carnivores as they prey on chickens including insects, rats and snakes.
“We used to see many Brahminy Kites in the region but their population has dwindled over the years,” said Nora Ibana, senior ecosystems management specialist, who led the releasing of the juvenile bird at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 7, 2020.
With a continuous information and education drive about the conservation and protection of the Philippine wildlife, Ms. Ibana hopes that more people will become aware and be inspired to do their share as stewards of nature.
Teenage boys rescue the young raptor
On Dec. 5, 2020 two Sarrat teenagers chanced on the injured bird along Padsan River at Brgy. San Antonio in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.
While strolling by the river at around 3 p.m. on the said day, Dyrel Navales and James Lorens Pinuela, both 16 years old and residents of the said village, saw the stray raptor that appeared to be weak.
“It's our first time to see a bird like that. Because it was not moving, we managed to get closer and we found out he couldn’t fly because his right wing was broken,” Mr. Navales said in an interview with The Ilocos Times.
Worried that the bird would die without proper treatment, the boys informed their friends and posted the bird’s condition on social media, hoping it would reach concerned government authorities.
After learning about the discovery of the injured raptor, Police Senior M/Sgt. Noel Abad, who happened to be near the area that time after leading a tree-planting activity, volunteered to pick up the bird and deliver it to the DENR office in this city.
Based on their inspection of the raptor’s features, local authorities established that it was a “young Brahminy kite.”
The DENR reminded the public not to capture any wildlife species if they are in good condition and let them live in their natural habitat. But if they are injured, they must be turned over to the nearest DENR office to ensure their well-being.