TWO siblings who owned up to the shooting of Philippine Eagle "Matatag" after the bird was recently released in the wild by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) already filed their counter affidavit in the case lodged against them before the Davao City Prosecution Office on Monday.
The content of the counter-affidavit, however, was not immediately known.
Police Chief Inspector Leonardo Pamplona of the Baguio Police Station told Sun.Star Davao in a phone interview that it is the right of the accused to file a counter affidavit, adding that the two will undergo preliminary investigation.
Charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act were lodged against Tiburcio Solis Aparesion, 24, and his brother Rolando, 18, who are both residents of Baguio District in Davao City.
According to the Baguio police, the two were arrested after turning themselves to the authorities and admitted to have shot the Philippine eagle at Sitio Mangas-as, Barangay Tambobong in Baguio District, Davao City last February 21.
It was previously reported that Tiburcio first showed up to the station and was followed by Rolando who turned over the caliber .22 rifle that he allegedly used in the shooting.
Authorities said they have a witness who will testify against the two suspects.
The legal counsel of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) also reportedly vowed to file charges against the suspects who are currently detained at the Baguio Police Station.
The case lodged against the siblings has yet to be resolved by Prosecutor Rizalyn Y. Gonzales-Pontanos. (RCP)