2 arrested for killing soft-shell tortoise

MANILA, Philippines - Two persons were arrested yesterday for the alleged illegal killing of a soft-shell tortoise which would be used as aphrodisiac ingredient for hot pot cooking in a Chinese restaurant in Pasay City.

Nabbed by authorities were Felix Timbas, the master cook in Nature Hot Pot Restaurant located at Hobbies of Asia Plaza, Macapagal Avenue; and Mila Austria, the restaurant’s manager.

According to Dr. Ronaldo Bernasor, Pasay City veterinarian, he was conducting a routine inspection in the area yesterday morning when he received a tip from an informant, claiming that tortoises are being sold as aphrodisiac specialty in the said restaurant. Bernasor said they immediately coordinated with the Pasay police and launched the operation about 11:45 a.m.

At least seven tortoises—four of them dead and one butchered— were found in the restaurant’s kitchen. Bernasor said their team even witnessed the actual chopping of the turtle.

Based on the restaurant’s brochure, each tortoise hot pot cost about P428, said arresting officer Godofredo Villafranca. The supply of these turtles allegedly comes from Ongpin, Manila, according to Bernasor.

The most depressing part in the operations was when they found out that the butchered tortoise was carrying eggs, he added.

“These are very endangered species and that chopped tortoise could have produced millions of its kind, but look what these people did?” Villafranca said.

On this light, Bernasor called on the public to help the government put a stop on the illegal killings of endangered species.

The two remaining alive tortoise will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).