OIC-CENR Officer of DENR-CENRO Cantilan For. Marslou D. Bonita, together with the PNP-Maritime Group headed by PMAJ Nasser D. Jiraya Jr., Coastal Resources Management Office of LGU- Cantilan and Barangay Local Government Unit of San Pedro, led the release of a female Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) at the shore of Barangay San Pedro, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur recently.
CENRO Bonita said the marine turtle was found entangled in a beach seine and was rescued by Mr. Marlon Ata, a resident of the barangay who then turned-over the wildlife to the authorities.
The turtle which measured a Curved Carapace Length (CCL) of 45 cm and Curved Carapace Width (CCW) of 43 cm was assessed to be generally in good condition.
Before its release, the team placed a PCP metal tag with serial number PH0230K on its right foreflipper.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-09 have classified the Green Sea Turtles as Endangered.
Marine Turtles are protected under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Under the law harming and/or catching them is illegal.
The DENR continuously urges the public to turn over any captured or rescued wildlife to proper authorities for their subsequent release back to their natural habitat.
