The provincial government of Cotabato is pushing stronger wildlife protection measures following the shooting of two Philippine Eagles in the towns of Arakan and Magpet, prompting an inter-agency investigation and recommendations to strengthen conservation efforts across the province.
An inter-agency task force formed by Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza conducted an investigation on October 9, 2026, to gather information on the incidents and identify measures to protect wildlife and their natural habitats.
According to a post-activity report submitted by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), the investigation was led by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Environment Chair Board Member Ryl John Caoagdan, together with representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office, Cotabato Police Provincial Office, OPAG-Interim Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the local governments of Arakan and Magpet.
The team interviewed witnesses and gathered information on the incidents, with assistance from the Cotabato police, including personnel from the Arakan and Magpet municipal police stations.
The latest information indicated that both eagles sustained injuries from improvised air guns. The birds were found in Barangay Libertad in Arakan and Barangay Manobo in Magpet.
The incidents have raised concerns over threats to the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird, and the need for stronger enforcement and community participation in wildlife conservation.
Among the task force’s recommendations is for the DENR to provide technical assistance and appropriate land tenure instruments, such as a Community-Based Forest Management Agreement or Certificate of Stewardship Contract, to help secure local communities’ tenure while protecting natural resources.
The team also recommended declaring suitable areas as Local Conservation Areas and intensifying information campaigns on Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, particularly in communities identified as key biodiversity areas for the Philippine Eagle.
Another proposed measure is to retrofit power lines and install insulators, especially near critical wildlife habitats, to reduce risks to eagles and other wildlife.
The task force further called for a review of municipal ordinances and possible amendments to strengthen penalties for wildlife-related violations.
To support field operations, it recommended coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure the safety of DENR forest rangers. It also proposed joint investigations involving concerned agencies in Regions X, XI and XII to help prevent similar incidents across regional boundaries.
The creation of a permanent Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force for the Protection of the Philippine Eagle and Wildlife Resources was also recommended to strengthen coordination among government agencies and sustain conservation initiatives.
Mendoza expressed hope that cooperation among residents and government agencies would strengthen efforts to protect the province’s natural resources.
The provincial government is seeking to build on existing conservation initiatives by combining law enforcement, habitat protection, public awareness and stronger coordination among local governments and national agencies.
The recommendations are intended to address immediate threats to wildlife while developing longer-term measures to protect the Philippine Eagle and preserve the
