BALER, Aurora (PIA) — Authorities rescued and returned to the sea an endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) after it was accidentally caught in a fish corral off the coast of Barangay Ditinagyan in Casiguran, Aurora.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), led the operation in coordination with partner agencies.
CENRO Casiguran chief Ariel Mendoza said the marine turtle, commonly called “pawikan,” was retrieved alive and showed no signs of injury following an on-site assessment.
“After assessment by the Coastal and Marine Management Unit of CENRO Casiguran, the turtle was found to be healthy and unharmed,” Mendoza said.
It was subsequently tagged to aid monitoring efforts before being released back into its natural habitat.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police Maritime Group assisted authorities during the operation to ensure proper handling and safety procedures.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo stressed that the protection of endangered species requires sustained cooperation among government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders.
“The protection of endangered species requires a whole-of-society approach. Through the cooperation of local government units, coastal communities, law enforcement agencies, and concerned citizens, we can strengthen conservation efforts and help ensure the survival of our marine wildlife,” Pablo said.
The DENR urged coastal communities to remain vigilant and practice responsible fishing to help reduce threats to endangered marine wildlife. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
