Press Release
August 20, 2015

Legarda Condemns Killing of Philippine Eagle 'Pamana'

Senator Loren Legarda has strongly condemned the recent killing of a Philippine eagle named "Pamana" that was found dead in Mount Hamiguitan Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental.

"Our Philippine eagles are critically endangered animals. It is unlawful for anyone to take the life of endangered species," Legarda said citing Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which imposes six to twelve years imprisonment and heavy fines for hunting and killing species listed as critical such as the Philippine eagle.

"The Philippine eagle is a symbolic creature in our country and is part of our heritage, our pamana. It is endemic to the Philippines. It is ironic that the bird whose name symbolizes our unique heritage was the one killed. In this light, I urge all government agencies concerned and the citizens in the area to work together to seriously address the killing of Pamana by conducting an immediate investigation not only to give justice to Pamana but also to highlight the need to preserve our heritage," she stressed.

Pamana was found dead on August 16. It sustained gunshot wound in its right chest.

The Philippine eagle is considered as one of the biggest, rarest and most powerful birds in the world. It is the national bird of the Philippines.

According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the Philippine eagle is critically endangered and it is estimated that there are no more than 400 pairs left in the wild. The female Philippine eagle lays only one egg every other year.

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