21-05-2025
2 rescued Philippine eagles released back into the wild in Leyte
The Philippine Eagle Foundation has released two rescued Philippine eagles, a male named Kalatungan 1 and a female named Lyra Sinabadan, back into the forest of Leyte.
According to Kuya Kim's report in "24 Oras" Wednesday, their release is part of the PEF's Philippine Eagle Species Reintroduction Program.
"Itong reintroduction program in Leyte ay isang importanteng component ng overall conservation program. Sa kasawiang palad, naubos na ang Philippine eagles natin sa isla ng Leyte. Naiiwasang sila ay mabaril at ma-trap sa Mindanao at makaka-establish tayo ng self-sustaining population," said PEF Director for Operations Jayson Ibañez.
The PEF first released Kalatungan 1, who was rescued in a weakened state in Bukidnon in 2024 after it had been hit by a bullet.
"Inalagaan sa Philippine Eagle Center, binigyan siya ng mga bitamina, ibinalik 'yung kakayahan niya to lipad, ready na," Ibañez said of Kalatungan 1.
More than an hour later, Lyra Sinabadan, who was rescued on Mt. Tangkulan in Bukidnon in 2023, was released.
Both eagles have GPS and VHF (radio) transmitters so they can be monitored by the PEF in their new home.
"Ito pong paglagay ng radio transmitter, wala sa unang release natin at ang importansya nito, anytime gusto natin hanapin ang mga ibon, pwede natin silang makita," Ibañez added.
Another Philippine eagle, a male named Lakpue, is set to be released at a later date. More information about Lakpue's release will be announced by the PEF soon.
The Philippine Eagle Species Reintroduction Program was launched in 2024, which also marked the release of Philippine eagles Carlito and Uswag in Leyte.
Carlito has successfully adapted to her new home, while the male Uswag had accidentally drowned in the waters off Ponson Island in Pilar, Cebu in 2024. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
