Rescued wildlife released into Tagum City’s forest

After three months in captivity, wild animals were finally released into the forest of Hijo Plantation Resources in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City last February 1.
Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy ordered the release of the animals which was acknowledged by the Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Office 11 headed by Leonilo Rivera.
Engr. Elias Ragos of the City Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO) – Tagum said it was Mayor Uy’s desire to release the animals in their natural habitat.
It may be recalled that the animals were rescued by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), from people who had reportedly illegally caught them, and turned them over to the DENR 11 who allowed the Tagum City government to keep them in the aviary section of the wildlife rescue center at Energy Park in Barangay Apokon for three months.
The local government released the animals when they showed poor appetite and some had not eaten since their captivity according to City Veterinarian Jesus G. Edullantes.
The release was witnessed by Director for Leisure and Tourism Roberto C. Solitaria of the Hijo Resources Corporation, who assured the authorities that the animals would survive in plantation’s forested area. Hijo forest is home to wild boars, monkeys, monitor lizards and wild birds, animals. Unfortunately, it was not reported what kind of animals were released.