IBA, Zambales (PIA) — Prompt action by coastal residents, wildlife responders, and government personnel helped save two marine turtles amid rough sea conditions brought by the southwest monsoon in Barangay La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City, worked with local government personnel, Pawikan Rangers, and other responders to assess, rehabilitate, and safely return the turtles to their natural habitat.
CENRO Olongapo City Head Edward Sernadilla said Pawikan Rangers rescued a 13-centimeter juvenile hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) after it washed ashore, assessed its condition, and released it back into the sea.
Responders later rescued a 50-centimeter olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) after finding it entangled in discarded fishing net near the local fish landing area.
The turtle sustained deep wounds on its flippers and a chipped carapace and was brought to the PawiCare conservation site, where it received treatment and rehabilitation.
PawiCare personnel and DENR staff conducted physical and health assessments before fitting the turtle with identification tag PH 1070A.
San Narciso Mayor La-Rainne Abad Sarmiento led the release of the rehabilitated turtle, joined by representatives from the DENR, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and other wildlife responders.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the immediate response of residents and wildlife responders helped ensure that the stranded turtles received appropriate care and were safely returned to their natural habitat.
Pablo urged coastal communities to immediately report stranded, injured, or entangled marine turtles to the DENR, local environment offices, or trained wildlife responders for proper assessment and handling.
DENR Zambales Provincial Head Marife Castillo commended the residents, government workers, and Pawikan Rangers for their quick action in responding to the marine wildlife incidents.
Castillo also reminded the public not to handle or release stranded or injured marine turtles on their own, particularly when the animals are entangled in fishing gear, and to seek assistance from trained responders.
Beyond the rescue, the incident highlighted the continuing threat posed by discarded fishing gear, commonly referred to as ghost gear, which can entangle and injure marine animals.
To help prevent similar incidents, the DENR called on coastal communities and fishing groups to properly manage and dispose of fishing gear and promptly report marine wildlife incidents to the appropriate authorities.
For coastal communities, timely reporting and responsible fishing practices remain critical to preventing wildlife injuries and protecting the country’s marine biodiversity.
Through such coordinated action, community participation, supported by government agencies and local institutions, can strengthen environmental stewardship and help safeguard marine resources.
This collaborative approach supports the Marcos administration’s emphasis on protecting ecosystems while engaging communities and local institutions in the sustainable management and conservation of the country’s natural resources. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Zambales)