Manila, Philippines — The deaths of two young Philippine Eagles have prompted the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to call for urgent measures to make power lines safer near eagle habitats.
In an article, the PEF reported that an eagle named “Salay” was found dead beside an electric post in Barangay Guinalaban, Salay, Misamis Oriental, on October 1, 2026.
Burn marks were found on her feet, while post-mortem findings were consistent with suspected electrocution.
Three days later, on October 4, another young female eagle named “Libertad” was found dead in Barangay Libertad, Arakan, North Cotabato.
Examination confirmed that electrocution caused her death. Burn marks were found on her left wing and right foot.
From the article, PEF Director for Operations Dr. Jayson C. Ibanez said the deaths should prompt immediate action to prevent further losses.
“We should not wait for another dead eagle before checking the next power pole,” Ibanez said.
He noted that conservationists already know many areas where Philippine Eagles nest and move, and that dangerous power poles can be made safer.
“The next step is to bring conservationists, engineers, electric cooperatives, national government agencies, local governments and communities together to identify high-risk areas and act before another eagle is lost.”
The foundation emphasized that protecting Philippine Eagles does not require removing power lines, recognizing that electricity remains essential to homes, schools, farms and businesses.
“The next steps are clear: map power lines near known eagle nesting and movement areas, identify dangerous poles, retrofit the highest-risk sites first, and make wildlife-safe designs part of future powerline projects,” the PEF said.
“Two Philippine Eagles died in three days. We should not wait for another one,” they emphasized.