Seized turtle back at sea

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 yesterday released back to the sea a green sea turtle that was confiscated from a fisherman in Barangay Tinago, Lapu-Lapu City.

The turtle, 48 centimeters in length and 45 centimeters in width, was seized by San Vicente Barangay Captain Cyrus Iyas last August 9.

DENR-7 director Maximo O. Dichoso said the green sea turtle, or Chelonia Mydas, is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

“It is highly protected from exploitation and abuse in most countries and it is illegal to collect, harm or kill them. We must not hunt turtles and their eggs for food as it will diminish their critical population level,” Dichoso said in a statement.

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Area Superintendent Reginald Bueno with park warden Socrates Sagarino and administrative officer Theodora de Leon led the release of the turtle to the San Vicente Marine Sanctuary in Lapu-Lapu City.

The sea mammal bears tag number D13578 on its right flipper when it was released back to the sea. (FREEMAN)