A juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagle rescued in Basilan has been safely transported to the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) in Davao City, where it is now under professional care and rehabilitation, military and wildlife authorities announced on September 10, 2026.
The young raptor, scientifically identified as Icthyophaga leucogaster, was turned over to the PEC following coordinated efforts among the military, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and wildlife conservation specialists.
Three Agencies Coordinate Eagle's Rescue and Transfer
According to the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, the rescue and transport operation involved the 1101st Infantry (Gagandilan) Brigade, the DENR–Isabela City office, and the 10th Infantry Division working in close coordination to ensure the bird reached a facility equipped for wildlife rehabilitation.
Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army and a former Brigade Commander in Basilan, personally facilitated the bird's safe transport and turnover after being requested to assist in bringing the rescued eagle to the PEC.
Eagle Named "Trajan," Now Under PEC Care
Upon arrival at the Philippine Eagle Center, the young eagle — named "Trajan" — was assessed by PEC personnel and placed under professional veterinary care. The center noted that specialized wildlife facilities provide rescued raptors with proper veterinary attention, nutrition, and structured rehabilitation, while allowing the animals to retain their natural behavior.
The PEC's approach to rehabilitation is designed to give rescued birds of prey the best possible chance of eventually returning to the wild, according to the center.
Maj. Gen. Luzon Formally Adopts Trajan
Beyond facilitating the transfer, Maj. Gen. Luzon took the additional step of formally adopting Trajan to help support the eagle's continuing care and rehabilitation at the PEC.
In a statement released by the 10th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Luzon said the case demonstrated what coordinated action across institutions could achieve for wildlife protection.
"Trajan's story shows what can happen when people and institutions work together to protect our wildlife. We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this young eagle from Basilan to a place where it can receive the care it needs. We hope that, in time, Trajan will be strong enough to return to the wild where it belongs."
Military-DENR Cooperation Highlights Wildlife Mandate
The 10th Infantry Division described the initiative as part of a continuing commitment by the Philippine Army, the DENR, local stakeholders, and wildlife conservation institutions to protect the country's natural heritage.
The White-bellied Sea Eagle is a protected species under Philippine law, and the coordination required to transport a live raptor across regions — from Basilan in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to Davao City — underscores the logistical complexity involved in wildlife rescue operations.
Why This Matters
The rescue and transfer of Trajan demonstrates that inter-agency cooperation between the Philippine Army and the DENR can extend beyond security operations to include wildlife conservation mandates. The case sets a practical example of how military assets and networks can be used to support environmental protection goals. With Trajan now under professional rehabilitation at the PEC, the bird has a structured pathway toward potential release back into its natural habitat.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army