Talibon, Bohol – The Talibon Municipal Police Station released several white-breasted waterhens, locally known as “kijaw”, back to their natural habitat on February 25, 2023.
The waterhens were rescued by the police during an operation against unlawful display/deal of airgun/airsoft and accessories at Barangay San Agustin, Talibon.
The police confiscated several pieces of airgun rifles/guns and airgun parts from the owner who failed to present a license to manufacture or deal airgun/airsoft rifles/pistols under the existing rules and regulations.
PMAJ Joseph Fuertes Lopena, Officer in Charge of Talibon Municipal Police Station, ordered the team to confiscate and release the waterhens as an animal advocate. He said that wildlife should be protected against poachers and not be domesticated or kept as pets.
He added that possessing wildlife is a violation of RA 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. The white-breasted waterhen is a type of water bird that is widely distributed in all parts of the Philippines. It lives near freshwater and saltwater places with dense vegetation such as ricefields and mangroves. Some locals hunt them for food or sport.