17 endangered turtles saved in Palawan

A sea turtle crawling back into the sea after laying eggs on Baguan Island, in Turtle Islands municipality. Photo by Orlando Maliwanag

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine troops rescued 17 hawksbill turtles on Tuesday on Ameril Island in Palawan, Conservation International Philippines told INQUIRER.net.

The critically endangered sea animals were found tied with ropes in a river by members of the Philippine Naval Forces West, Philippine Navy and Philippine National Police special boat unit team, said CI Philippines.

The turtles were to be shipped to China and Vietnam, said the international conservation group, quoting a report from Lieutenant Karen Ann Abulon, acting public affairs officer of the Naval Forces West.

“The modus operandi is to let locals to catch the turtles and the poachers will just buy the turtles from them,” Abulon said.

“The rescued turtles are now with PNP special boat unit team  for temporary custody and to be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” she said.

The illegal traders remained at large, said Abulon.