GUIMARAS — The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Guimaras successfully rescued and released 69 hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings during a wildlife conservation activity conducted in Nueva Valencia on January 20.
The operation was spearheaded by PENRO Guimaras Wildlife Focal Person Forest Technician II Alvin Alex Neodama, together with deputized Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs), after the office received an anonymous tip through its official Facebook page regarding newly hatched sea turtles.
The species was identified as the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), a marine species protected under Philippine law and classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
According to PENRO, the hatchlings were initially discovered and temporarily cared for by a resort owner and her employee. Upon assessment, the team recorded 69 live and active hatchlings, one weak hatchling, 19 unhatched eggs, and nine lifeless hatchlings.
Following proper documentation and assessment, the live hatchlings were safely released into their natural marine habitat in Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia.
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining marine biodiversity, including controlling sponge populations and sustaining seagrass beds that provide habitat for various marine species such as fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI reminded the public of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, which prohibits illegal wildlife activities and imposes penalties on violators.
DENR also encouraged the public to report wildlife sightings and illegal wildlife activities to authorities to help protect and conserve the country’s natural heritage for future generations./PN
