Two marine turtles, including an injured olive ridley found entangled in a discarded fishing net, were rescued and returned to the sea by wildlife responders and local authorities in San Narciso, Zambales amid rough coastal conditions brought by the southwest monsoon.
Edward Sernadilla, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City, said Pawikan Rangers first rescued a 13-centimeter juvenile hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) after it washed ashore. Following assessment, the turtle was deemed fit for release and was safely returned to the sea.
Responders later rescued a 50-centimeter olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) that was found entangled in a discarded fishing net near a local fish landing area.
The turtle sustained deep wounds on its flippers and a chipped carapace. It was brought to the PawiCare Conservation Site for treatment and rehabilitation.
PawiCare personnel and DENR staff conducted physical and health assessments before the turtle was fitted with identification tag PH 1070A and released back into its natural habitat.
San Narciso Mayor La-Rainne Abad Sarmiento led the release, joined by representatives from the DENR, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and other wildlife responders.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo credited the prompt action of residents and wildlife responders for ensuring that the stranded turtles received proper care and were safely returned to the sea.
Pablo urged coastal communities to immediately report stranded, injured, or entangled marine turtles to the DENR, local environment offices, or trained wildlife responders for proper assessment and handling.
DENR Zambales Provincial Head Marife Castillo also commended residents, government personnel, and Pawikan Rangers for their swift response.
Castillo reminded the public not to handle or release stranded or injured marine turtles on their own, especially when the animals are entangled in fishing gear, and instead seek assistance from trained responders.
The incident also highlighted the dangers posed by discarded fishing gear, or ghost gear, which can trap and injure marine wildlife. The DENR called on coastal communities and fishing groups to properly manage fishing equipment and promptly report marine wildlife incidents to authorities.
