Vizcaya execs ask DENR to stop bird trapping in Sante Fe

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Local officials are asking the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to stop bird-trapping in a mountainous town, which hosts migratory birds yearly, to prevent the entry of the dreaded avian influenza virus.

The officials, led by board member Teodorico Padilla Jr., said the DENR has to keep a close watch over the migratory birds seeking refuge in Barangay Tactac, Santa Fe town, and prevent the locals from catching them for food and commercial purposes.

Barangay Tactac, which lies at the boundary of the Sierra Madre and Caraballo mountain ranges, has been declared a sanctuary for migratory birds.

The local officials’ call came as the bird-trapping season (locally referred to as akik or the noise the birds make) is now on its peak. Migratory birds fly in droves to the province from September to February to escape the biting cold in their habitats in Europe and Asia.

"We are concerned about the health risks which these migratory birds may carry due to the spread of bird flu virus in Asia," said Padilla, a former mayor of Santa Fe.

During this season, bird-trappers, taking advantage of foggy and moonless nights, use bonfires and crude nets to trap the wild birds.

According to the DENR, the migratory birds seeking temporary refuge here are yellow and brown shrikes, storks, blue birds, bleeding heart pigeons, swiftlets, marsh and ground doves, parrots, blue monarchs, tailor birds, yellow-crested whistlers and nightingales.

Padilla said bird-trapping has been a profitable practice for many villagers. Wild birds are sold at P200 to P400 a pair, depending on their sizes. Others are cooked, while some find their way to pet shops in Manila.

Robert Vasquez, of the provincial environment and natural resources office, said they have activated Task Force Akik to prevent the villagers from catching the wild birds.

Together with police and health personnel, local DENR workers man checkpoints and quarantine centers for wildlife, especially in Santa Fe town, Vasquez said.