Philippine Farmer Faces 12 Years In Jail For Eating Endangered Eagle

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - A 22-year-old farmer from the Philippines is facing up to 12 years imprisonment if found guilty of killing and eating an endangered and one of the rarest eagles in the world.

Philippine Environment and Natural Resources Lito Atienza said Brian Balaon, has admitted of shooting the three-year-old Philippine eagle, one of the world's largest eagles, that was recently released by wildlife authorities on July 10.

Balaon told authorities that he shot the eagle near his farm and then ate the four-pound bird with his friends.

Conservationist, politicians and wild life authorities were enraged by Balaon's act who claims he was not aware the Philippine eagle was an endangered specie.

In a statement, Atienza said, "The killer of the rare eagle must suffer the consequences of his dastardly act to serve as a notice to everyone that we are serious in enforcing environmental laws."

The Philippines is trying to increase the number of the critically endangered Philippine eagle and the killing of the raptor was a major setback.

Official estimates say only 250 Philippine eagles exist in the wild in southern Philippines.

The slain eagle was rescued by wildlife officials in September 2006 after it was wounded with a pellet gun on its neck. The bird was nursed back to health and was released in March after being fitted with satellite and radio transmitters.