The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte placed an adult female Writhed Hornbill under rehabilitation on June 22, 2026, in preparation for its release into the wild. The bird was turned over by Sergeant Junelo Bongcawel of the 97th Infantry Battalion.
Rescue and Initial Care
Sergeant Bongcawel discovered the hornbill in a weakened condition in Batayan village, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte. He provided temporary shelter and care at his residence while coordinating with local authorities and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure proper handling and rehabilitation. The turnover was facilitated by Batayan Village Councilor Reymond Dacumos and received by OIC-Cenro Forester Maribel Acama and Development Management Officer III Hector Lusaya, along with personnel from the Enforcement and Monitoring Section and the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit.
Assessment and Rehabilitation
Cenro-Liloy personnel conducted an initial assessment and placed the bird under care at the office's wildlife holding facility. According to the DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula, the hornbill was found in generally good physical condition but showed signs of domestication. It will undergo rehabilitation before being considered for release into its natural habitat.
Conservation Status
The Writhed Hornbill, also known as the Mindanao Wrinkled Hornbill, is listed as a vulnerable species under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09, the updated national list of threatened Philippine fauna. The species plays a vital role in forest ecosystems as an important seed disperser, helping maintain forest regeneration and biodiversity.
