CENRO MOBO RELEASES OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES IN USON, MASBATE

Two Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtles were released to the seas of Uson, Masbate by the technical personnel of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Mobo, Masbate on November 25, 2020.

The turtles were found entangled in fish nets by Rodel Arroyo and company at Barangay Panisiian, Uson, Masbate. They immediately reported and turned over the marine turtles to Ms. Shirley Patalinghug, the Municipal Agriculture Officer, who then informed CENRO Mobo for proper turnover and release.

Upon inspection by Wildlife Enforcement Officer (WEO) Ryan Moneño and Forest Extension Officer Christian Patiño, one marine turtle already had a tag, which indicated PH1925K, which meant that it was stranded before and tagged by rescuers. Meanwhile, the other marine turtle was consequently tagged for proper identification. Since the marine turtles were found in good condition, they were immediately released.

            Under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2019-09 titled, “Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories”, the marine turtle species are considered endangered. Likewise, all wildlife in the Philippines are protected under Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act".

The DENR V continuously calls on the public to report such incidents and turnover any wildlife to proper authorities for proper handling and release to its natural habitat. Continuous information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns are being conducted by the DENR, which have caused increasing numbers of public turn overs to the office.

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