A Philippine eagle was spotted at Mt. Sinaka in Cotabato after being out of sight in the area for two years, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Soccsksargen said on Wednesday.
The DENR said that experts believe that the critically endangered eagle’s absence is a result of several factors, including seasonal changes impacting their food supply, efforts to avoid competition, and the natural tendency of young eagles to disperse.
“A Philippine eagle (???????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????) was sighted again at Mt. Sinaka during the second semestral monitoring of the species held from November 4 to 7, 2025. The majestic raptor was observed soaring along the forest edges, marking its return to the area after being unrecorded for two years,” the department said on social media.
The Philippine eagle (or the Monkey-eating eagle), which is also the national bird of the country, is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only about 400 pairs remaining in the wild.
The Philippine eagle is also considered as the top carnivore animal in the country. They are only found in Luzon, in the provinces of Leyte and Samar, and in Mindanao, according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
Mount Sinaka is a vital biodiversity hotspot in Cotabato, serving as the smallest known natural sanctuary for the Philippine eagle, the DENR said. Despite its limited area of only 1,500 to 2,000 hectares, it provides suitable nesting grounds, food sources, and shelter for a breeding pair of eagles and other threatened wildlife.
“The declaration of Mt. Sinaka as a critical habitat has opened opportunities for funding and resource allocation to support continued research, conservation programs, and sustainable management practices vital for the survival of the Philippine eagle and other endangered species in the area,” the DENR said. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News