“Three-year-old Philippine Eagle named Pamana [heritage] was found dead two months after she was released into the wild. She sustained a fatal gunshot wound in her right chest, according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation [PEF] Executive Director Dennis Salvador.”
This was the subject of a story written by my third son, JR, when he was in grade school. This same story I unearthed when I began writing full-time in the year 2000. We named the eagle in the story, Malaya (freedom). After JR and I polished it, we sent it to Dennis Salvador, at that time waging a war against illegal hunters.
Aimed at bringing awareness to the rampant killing of this Philippine treasure, and hopefully help stop this merciless act, the book was published by Caltex Philippines throgh its Corporate Communications Manager, Marian Catedral, an advocate for the preservation of the environment.
"Fly, Malaya, Fly!" (illustrated by Longlong Pesquira) was launched in Manila and Davao City in 2001.
This bird, with a wingspan spreading up to seven feet and therefore the largest eagle in the world, is now a critically-endangered species.
People found guilty of killing critically endangered species can face jail sentences of up to 12 years, and fines of up to P1 million (Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act).
Yet, these criminals are running around loose and are on a shooting spree.
Is there hope?
With PEF, determined to be a steward of God’s flying creations, I want to remain hopeful. My prayer is that after Pamana, no Philippine eagle will be killed ever again—and that we all become good stewards of His every grace.
Photo of Pamana: From the Province of Davao Oriental FB page
6 comments:
Wow, didn't know Pamana is the brainchild of JR. What happened is really sad.
These keep on happening... That same thing happened to Cecil the Lion, shot dead in Africa. That was really upsetting and heartbreaking.
That's a 15-year-old story, Yay, but it is as real today as it was then. The cruel cycle never ends.
Ric Robin, you're right. It is an unending (and a frustrating) saga. We grieve each time it happens.
Is this book still available? Where can I buy this book? :)
It was available for sometime at the Eagle Foundation in Davao. I am not sure if they still have copies left, because it was just a one-issue, special edition.
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