Philippine Eagle dies from electrocution in Cotabato

A critically endangered Philippine Eagle was found dead in Barangay Libertad, Arakan, Cotabato, on October 4. The bird reportedly died after coming into contact with a power line.

Following a necropsy conducted by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), officials confirmed that electrocution was the cause of death, noting electrical burn marks on the eagle’s left wing and right talon. However, the examination also revealed that the bird had been shot with an air gun recently. Two air-gun pellets were recovered from the carcass, with one bullet linked to a wound estimated to be only a few days old.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Eagle Foundation are investigating the incident. Officials expressed concern over the multiple human-related threats, including unsafe electrical infrastructure and hunting, facing the species.