Army Soldier Rescues Vulnerable Hornbill in Kalawit, Turns Over Protected Species to DENR
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay– A Philippine Army soldier demonstrated strong environmental stewardship after rescuing a vulnerable hornbill found in weakened condition and turning it over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on June 22, 2026.
The rescued bird, identified as an adult female Writhed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus leucocephalus), also known as the Mindanao Wrinkled Hornbill, was formally surrendered to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)–Liloy after it was discovered in Barangay Batayan, Kalawit.
The bird was turned over by Sgt. Junelo P. Bongcawel of the 97th Infantry Battalion, who said he found the hornbill in a weakened state and immediately provided temporary shelter and care at his residence while seeking assistance from proper authorities. Recognizing its conservation importance, he coordinated with barangay officials and DENR personnel to ensure its safe handling and proper turnover.
The handover was facilitated with the assistance of the Barangay Local Government Unit of Batayan, through Barangay Kagawad Reymond P. Dacumos.
The hornbill was received by OIC-CENRO Forester Maribel G. Acama and DMO III Hector F. Lusaya, together with personnel from the Enforcement and Monitoring Section and the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit.
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Following an initial assessment, DENR personnel placed the bird under the agency’s wildlife holding facility. While it was found to be in generally stable physical condition, it showed signs of domestication and will undergo rehabilitation before being considered for possible release into its natural habitat.
The Writhed Hornbill is listed as a Vulnerable species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, which identifies threatened Philippine fauna. The species plays a vital ecological role as a seed disperser, helping sustain forest regeneration and biodiversity.
Officials underscored that the incident highlights the importance of public participation in wildlife protection and strict compliance with Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The DENR Region IX continues to encourage communities to support conservation initiatives through environmental awareness, tree-planting activities, and the protection of wildlife habitats, stressing that safeguarding biodiversity is essential for future generations.
