THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reminded the public not to hunt or harm any migratory birds, which are expected to arrive in Davao Region this month.
In an advisory signed by DENR Assistant Secretary Ricardo Calderon, the public is reminded that migratory birds are expected to arrive in the country.
Calderon said it is currently the migration season of some species of birds that are expected to pass by in some parts of the country. The birds will later return to their breeding grounds by March the following year.
"These birds stop briefly along wetlands -- swamps, marshes, intertidal and coastal areas, rivers, ponds, lakes, as well as forests throughout the country, to rest and refuel for their onward journey," the DENR official said in an advisory.
With that, he reminded the public to protect and not hunt them.
Calderon said hunting of migratory birds is prohibited and punishable under Republic Act 9167 or the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act."
Violators of the law may face maximum imprisonment of two years and one day to four years and a fine of P30,000 to P300,000.
Aside from that, the public is reminded to keep distant as certain migratory birds such as wild ducks, gulls, and shorebirds may carry the avian influenza virus or avian flu.
"The public is therefore further advised not to handle any wild dead bird/s that may be found near wetlands [sic]," Calderon said.
Any information of hunting, illegal transporting or trading of these birds, or any reported dead birds within their area must be reported immediately to DENR, the official said.