The organizer of the Ibon-Ebon Festival, the country’s first bird-watching event, is set to file charges against game hunters who allegedly killed hundreds of endangered Philippine wild ducks and posted their actions on social media for content.

Former Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, who launched the Ibon-Ebon (Bird-Egg) Festival in Pampanga in 2008, condemned the hunters’ actions, describing them as “arrogant” and harmful to conservation efforts.

“It’s heartbreaking to see game hunters boasting on social media about killing hundreds of dumara,” said Pelayo, referring to the Philippine duck, locally known as dumara. The species is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with only an estimated 3,300 to 6,700 mature individuals remaining.

Pelayo plans to file charges under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits the killing or exploitation of wildlife species. Violators face penalties, including imprisonment of up to 12 years and fines ranging from ₱30,000 to ₱1 million, depending on the species’ conservation status.

Identified hunters, including vloggers Kulaki Hunter, Kasipat Hunter, Jhonie Bellen, and X4 Raf Hunter, may face legal action. The National Bureau of Investigation has been tapped to track their activities through their online content.

The Philippine duck has suffered population declines due to hunting and habitat loss. Pelayo emphasized that such activities threaten conservation gains, recalling how the Ibon-Ebon Festival previously showcased over 17,000 migratory birds annually in Candaba Swamps. The festival ended after Pelayo’s mayoral term in 2013.

“This isn’t just about the law; it’s about protecting our heritage and ensuring future generations can enjoy these natural wonders,” Pelayo said.

The move comes amid increasing legal actions against animal cruelty, including a recent case where a Korean national was convicted for killing a dog in March 2024, highlighting a growing focus on protecting animals and wildlife in the Philippines.