A new lease on life
A green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was rescued, operated on to remove a big tumor and then released about a week later to resume its life in its natural habitat.
It all began last June 9 when Nestor Rivera a resident of Brgy. Bonifacio Aquino, spotted a marine turtle (locally called pawikan) that was swimming in shallow waters. Getting close to the pawikan, Rivera noted that it had a big tumor that was blocking its vision. With the help of other nearby residents – Benedicto Ator, Rudy Barocol and Angelita Ator – Rivera brought the turtle ashore and then informed the DENR officer Regidor Magtoto who was assigned in the area.
Angelita Viloria, a biologist who works with the Pawikan Conservation Project (PCP) of the Protected Areas and Wild-life Bureau (PAWB), was in-formed about the incident through text message. Since she was about a hundred kilometers away, Viloria tried to look for a veterinarian to handle the sick marine turtle but there was none available because it was a national holiday.
She then asked Rolando Pagara, a member of Task Force Pawikan Magsaysay in Misamis Oriental, to assess the health condition of the turtle. Upon knowing about the tumor and weak condition of the turtle, Viloria instructed Pagara to carefully remove the tumor. This was successfully done with the assistance of Edgar Cañete of DENR, Region 10 who rushed to the area upon receiving information about the incident.
Viloria and her team proceeded to Brgy. Bonifacio Aquiño the following day to assist Dr. Al Gonzales,
Kagawad Pagara and the concerned citizens of Brgy. Bonifacio Aquiño took turns in taking care of the green turtle. After almost six days of recuperation, the turtle was released to its natural habitat to enjoy its new lease on life.
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