PNP, Bantay Dagat on-guard against bird hunters

Just watch but don’t catch.

Mayor Hernani A. Braganza recently ordered the Bantay Dagat, Tourism personnel and the City PNP to be on the lookout for more local bird catchers at the Hundred Islands.

Local authorities here were alerted anew following the apprehension of three grade schoolers from nearby town of Anda for collecting eggs and having in possession a young night heron locally known as “doroco” a week ago.

Ava Sharon Batay-an, Tanggol Kalikasan Area Director, who de-briefed the offenders at her office, said the latter violated provisions of RA 7586 or the NIPAS Law.

Under Sec. 20 of the NIPAS Law, hunting, destroying or mere possession of any plant or animal or products derived therein without a permit from the Management Board is strictly prohibited.

The three confessed they were not aware of the consequences of their actions and have been catching birds for quite a long time for food and as a source of livelihood.

But since they are still minors, they were sent home after having undergone de-briefing and counseling even as they promised that they will stop from this old and illegal practice.

A total of 61 eggs are now under the custody of the City Veterinary Office and City Agriculture Office. Report coming from said offices last Monday revealed that at least 6 eggs were successfully hatched through an incubator.

All the rest is expected to be hatched this week while the young night heron will be released at the Hundred Islands soon it has fully recovered from its poor health condition.

Thousands of Philippine birds of various species have found a perfect refuge at the lush green islands for several months now.

And there presence at the islands has stirred excitement among local and foreign tourists.

The Mayor, including the Tanggol Kalikasan, a public interest Environmental Law Office based in the city, though, expressed fear over the possibility of disturbing the flock of birds due to illegal activities like bird hunting, bonsai and egg collection and even blast fishing which creates deafening sound.

“This loveable creatures need to be protected from potential dangers, said Braganza said.

To enjoy more of these picturesque views and in order to disturb the birds, the Mayor has advised guests and visitors to bring their binoculars and cameras or videos and watch the birds from a safe distance.

In fact, more and more tourists are getting interested on bird-watching that they extend few minutes touring around the park to see the birds with colorful feathers fly in the sky.

Among those who have expressed appreciation and happiness seeing the rare and migratory birds at Hundred Islands were the Barangay Chairmen and city legislators who joined the Mayor in a brief familiarization tour just recently. (CIO)