A total of eighty-one (81) Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings were recently released to the shores of Barangay Lupi, Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon.
Following a report from a concerned citizen, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Sorsogon headed by OIC, PENR Officer Marlon C. Francia assessed the hatchlings before its release to its natural habitat.
The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is classified as “Endangered” under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2019-09. Consequently, all wildlife in the Philippines are strictly protected under Republic Act (R.A) 9147 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.”
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol headed by Regional Executive Director (RED) Francisco E. Milla, Jr. appeals to the public to participate in activities that safeguards biodiversity and its habitats. “We call upon the public to be vigilant and report any encounters involving sea turtles and other wildlife species that might be at risk of illegal captivity or stranding,” said RED Milla.
(Source: DENR Bicol)