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A hawksbill sea turtle was returned yesterday to its natural habitat in barangay Talima marine sanctuary in Olango island.
Baragay Calawisan councilor Riel Tampus said Ronald Paran, one of the residents of barangay Calawisan, found the sea turtle looking very weak near the shoreline at around 5 p.m. on Sunday.
In an interview over dyAB, Paran said he was looking for sea shells to cook for his supper when he chanced upon the sea turtle.
Fearing that his neighbors might take and sell the turtle, Paran immediately brought it to the barangay hall and placed it in a basin full with water. Barangay officials immediately coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Yesterday, the turtle was returned to its natural habitat in the presence of officials of barangay Calawisan, representatives of the DENR and the Lapu-Lapu City police.
Rose Saya-ang of the ICRMP DENR said the turtle measures 23 inches in length, 16 inches in width and weighs about 7 kilograms. Engraved on the back of the turtle was the name ?R. Pino.?
Saya-ang said the hawksbill turtle is one of the four species of turtle that can be found in the Philippines and is considered an endangered species.
Saya-ang said it is illegal to own sea turtles as stipulated in RA. 8550.
