CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — A concerned citizen from Barangay Gabihan, San Ildefonso, Bulacan turned over a juvenile Philippine scops owl (Otus megalotis) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources after finding the bird abandoned.
Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Baliwag chief Dennis Vergara reported that the concerned citizen took the young owl into temporary custody to ensure its safety before surrendering it to the DENR for proper handling.
Upon turnover, wildlife enforcement officers of CENRO-Baliwag immediately assessed the owl’s condition before transporting it to the Biodiversity Management Bureau Wildlife Rescue Center in Quezon City for appropriate rehabilitation and wildlife management.
“We thank the public for their continued support in protecting and conserving our wildlife. Your concern for the environment demonstrates that a mobilized and responsible citizenry is vital to the success of our environmental programs and conservation efforts,” said DENR Region 3 executive director Ralph Pablo.
This, as the DENR reminds the public that RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), prohibits the collection, hunting, possession, transport, and trade of wildlife and their by-products without the necessary permits issued by the government.
Individuals who encounter injured, abandoned, or displaced wild animals are encouraged to immediately report the incident to the nearest DENR office or appropriate authorities for proper rescue, assessment, and rehabilitation. DENR-3
