15 sea turtles rescued from poachers in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines – Authorities rescued 15 sea turtles or “pawikans” from suspected Chinese poachers in Brgy. Catagupan, Balabac, Palawan Saturday morning.

They said the rescue operation was launched after the Philippine Navy received a tip that large fishing nets were set up by the poachers last week.

One of the sea turtles was already dead when it was recovered while 8 others are in critical condition.

Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources responded to the site to document the recovered sea turtles, which were subsequently released to open sea.

Two nets, measuring 200 meters each, were also seized and turned over to the Naval Station Narciso del Rosario in Balabac.

No arrests were made.

The sea turtles reportedly weighed 50 to 70 kilos each and are estimated to cost not less than P5,000 each.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edinel Magtibay | ABS-CBN News Palawan | July 14, 2012 | Article Link