Councilor seeks aid for Carcar turtle sanctuary

Carcar City Councilor Robert Aleonar yesterday requested the Capitol for personnel to help protect coastal areas in the city, one of which is being eyed for a turtle sanctuary.

In a letter, Aleonar, chairman of the City Council’s environment, agriculture and fisheries committee, asked Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for military or police officers to help guard coastal areas and reinforce Carcar’s Bantay Dagat detachment.

The marine watchers will be dedicated to the beaches of barangay Perrelos, which the city would like to designate as a turtle sanctuary since many sea turtles lay eggs there.

The capture and sale of sea turtles, locally called “pawikan” is prohbited.

Aleonar said they also need to beef up security in the area because of the possible presence of armed men.

Aleonar thanked the governor for creating the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force which he said helps protect coastal areas of the province.