After three weeks of rehabilitation under the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), an eagle rescued by a farmer from Mount Mabagyaw in Kabugao, Apayao, has been returned to its natural habitat.

The female eagle got trapped in a snare intended for wild pigs. 

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the presence of eagles in the area indicates a balanced ecosystem in the forests.

PEF said it is strictly prohibited to capture Philippine eagles and other wildlife species, with penalties of up to 12 years of imprisonment.

“For instance, ang Philippine Deer at Wild Pig [sa] IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) [ay] vulnerable. Ibig sabihin, pwede silang mawala din kung hindi ma-regulate yung hunting and collection ng mga wildlife na itO,” Dr. Jayson Ibañez, Chairman for Operations of PEF, said.

Apayao's mountains remain the last stronghold of the Philippine eagle in Northern Luzon.