Conservationists spotted an adult Philippine Eagle flying freely over the Mount Mahuson range, rekindling hope for wildlife in Magpet, Cotabato.
The rare sighting happened during a monitoring and site assessment in Barangay Sallab, Imamaling, and Don Panaca from October 15 to 17, 2025.
Conservationists observed the eagle gliding above the forest canopy—strong, alert, and possibly marking its territory, a natural behavior for breeding.
The same eagle was first documented in the area in October 2024, raising optimism that it may have returned to nest and breed.
Experts believe this reappearance proves that Mount Mahuson remains a safe refuge for the country’s critically endangered raptors.
Aside from the Philippine Eagle, the monitoring team also recorded sightings of the Philippine Serpent Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Philippine Honey Buzzard, and the Philippine Hawk-Eagle, another species fighting for survival in the wild.
Environmental advocates described the sighting as a powerful reminder of hope and responsibility—urging the public to protect the forests that still shelter these majestic birds. “Every sighting is a miracle,” one conservationist said, “but every tree cut is a life lost.”
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local officials vowed to strengthen anti-poaching and forest protection efforts with the support of communities in Magpet and Matalam.
The reappearance of the Philippine Eagle in Cotabato rekindles pride, faith, and a shared duty to keep the country’s skies wild and free.
