2 Philippine serpent eagles rescued from hunter in Ilagan

These two serpent eagles were turned over to the Ilagan animal sanctuary on Tuesday after a hunter tried to sell them off. (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela—Police on Tuesday (May 25) turned over two Philippine serpent eagles to an animal sanctuary here after these were found being sold on the road.

The crested serpent eagles (Spilornis cheela) were retrieved from a hunter in Barangay Andabuen in Benito Soliven town, Isabela province, according to Lt. Col. Eugenio Mallillin, Isabela police intelligence unit chief.

According to the workers at the animal shelter, serpent eagles prey on snakes and could grow up to 76-centimeters long in size.

“We will ensure that they will be taken care of here as we are helping protect flora and fauna in the sanctuary,” Arvin Perez, acting city environment and natural resources officer, told the Inquirer. VILLAMOR VISAYA JR.