Definition of Protected Bird
- Protected birds include insect-eating birds, songbirds, and most wild birds except eagles, hawks, owls, English sparrows, brown herons (candangaho), crows, galancian, and mayas.
- Game birds are protected only during designated close seasons.
Authority to Establish Close Seasons
- The Secretary of the Interior, with Governor-General approval, can establish close seasons for various game birds, fish, shellfish, and certain mammals (excluding wild pig).
- Species include geese, ducks, rails, shore birds, wild chickens, quails, pigeons, turkeys, deer, tamaraw, and others.
Duration and Scope of Close Seasons
- Close seasons may cover parts of each year or extend up to five years if needed for public interest.
- The close season may apply to specific geographical areas (provinces, municipalities) or particular waters for fish/shellfish.
Publication and Enforcement of Close Season Orders
- Orders must be published at least two months prior, in the Official Gazette and local newspapers.
- Notices must be posted in provincial and municipal buildings.
- The Secretary of the Interior is responsible for ensuring public awareness.
Scientific Permits
- Persons of good repute aged 15 or older may be granted permits by the Secretary of the Interior to take protected wildlife for scientific purposes only.
- Permits are valid for one year, non-transferable.
- Misuse results in penalties equivalent to illegal hunting.
Hunting Licenses
- Use of firearms for hunting requires a valid hunting license.
- Fees are 2 pesos for residents (including military personnel) and 20 pesos for non-residents.
- Licenses issued by the Chief of Constabulary under regulations approved by the Secretary of Commerce and Police.
Enforcement Authority
- Philippine Constabulary and local police are deputy game wardens with full authority to enforce the law and arrest offenders.
License Application and Forfeiture
- False statements in hunting license applications lead to forfeiture of license and weapons, plus other penalties.
Restrictions on Lending and Possession of Licenses and Firearms
- Lending or possessing another's hunting license or firearm for hunting is prohibited; such items are subject to forfeiture.
- Exception for military and police personnel authorized to use government firearms for hunting.
Prohibition on Certain Hunting Methods
- Hunting protected animals by artificial light, swivel gun, or nets (for birds and small game) is unlawful.
- Possession of a lantern at night is prima facie evidence of illegal hunting intentions.
Exceptions for Certain Species and Activities
- Wild pigs, eagles, hawks, brown herons, owls, crows, English sparrows, galancian, and mayas may be hunted year-round.
- Keeping such birds as pets and taking edible bird nests under license are permitted.
Pollution Control Provisions
- It is unlawful to discharge harmful substances (petroleum products, industrial refuse, sawdust, etc.) into Philippine waters harmful to fish or plant life.
- Retting of maguey, sisal, sansevieria, and similar plants in rivers or seashores is allowed.
Subsistence Hunting by Indigenous and Local Residents
- Residents of Mindanao, Sulu, Mountain Province allowed to hunt game and take bird eggs anytime for food.
- Use of artificial light or sale of game taken in this manner during close seasons remains prohibited.
- This privilege may be extended by the Secretary of the Interior with Governor-General approval.
Penalties for Violations
- Offenders of the Act or related orders face fines up to one hundred pesos per offense.
Repeal and Continuity of Prior Laws
- Repeals Act No. 1798 and its amendments but preserves prosecution for prior offenses.
- Prior orders under repealed laws remain effective as if issued under this Act.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon passage.