The Philippine Eagle “Sawaga-Dalwangan,” rescued on July 3, died on Saturday, July 18, 2026, while undergoing rehabilitation at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) said.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Philippine Eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan while undergoing rehabilitation at the Philippine Eagle Center,” the PEF said in a statement.
“After her rescue, she showed real signs of improvement. She became stronger and more alert, ate on her own, and responded well to treatment. These observations were the basis of our earlier recovery updates,” the foundation added.
PEF said Sawaga-Dalwangan "later suffered a sudden medical crisis and could not be revived."
A a necropsy has been completed, while histopathological examinations remain ongoing, according to PEF.
“We are deeply grateful to the Daraghuyan community, rescuer Marven Linoy and his companions, DENR, the Malaybalay City Government, the Provincial Zoo, the veterinary teams, and all partners who helped rescue and care for her,“ it added.
The eagle was found on July 3 severely weakened, dehydrated, and suffering from a maggot-infested wound by a local farmer along the Cabanbangan-Sawaga River in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
According to the PEF, Sawaga-Dalwangan showed signs of improvement after rescue and was placed under close monitoring and treatment. She was later transferred to the PEC’s isolation and rehabilitation facility on July 16 after being medically stabilized.
Veterinary examinations also revealed two metal pellets lodged inside the eagle’s body—one in its wing and another in its left thigh—indicating that it had been shot.
Earlier, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Service highlighted the need to address illegal shooting and strengthen community-based conservation efforts following the discovery of the gun pellets.
“The discovery of gun pellets underscores the urgent need to stop illegal shooting and strengthen community-based conservation. Protecting the Philippine eagle means protecting our nation’s natural heritage,” the agency said.
