RELEASED OLIVE RIDLEY MARINE TURTLES

The rescue operation was facilitated by the Chief -Conservation and Development Section (CDS) For. Mosa Dimaampao and staff who promptly verified a report from the Philippine Maritime Group (PMG) about the marine turtles located at Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

 

“The immediate response was made after a concerned citizen reported that there are 2 Olive Marine Ridley Turtles that were found in Barangay Tibpuan and it was confirmed by the team”, a Philippine Maritime Group (PMG) representative said.

 

Meanwhile, CENRO Dipatuan lauded the active involvement and participation of the Lebak’s PMG, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and the beach owner.

 

“Our partner stakeholders are very responsive in any circumstances, and also reliable in terms of protecting and conserving our wildlife and environment. We are thankful for the immediate action and we are appealing to the public to continue reporting any environmental concerns”, CENRO Dipatuan said.

 

As per Republic Act 9147 otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, Section 8 Possession of Wildlife. — No person or entity shall be allowed possession of wildlife unless such person or entity can prove financial and technical capability and facility to maintain said wildlife: Provided, that the source was not obtained in violation of this Act.” As such, with proper coordination and assessment of the found turtles, a tag was put into place and the reptiles were released back to their natural habitat. (with report and photo from Aisa Abdulazis, CENRO Kalamansig IO Designate)