Green turtle in Capiz remains under observation

PANAY, Capiz — A juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was rescued after it stranded along the shoreline of Barangay Butacal in Panay, Capiz, on April 2, 2026, following a report from Sangguniang Bayan member Alfie Benliro of the Panay local government unit.

Rosalinda Benliro kept the turtle in her custody while authorities were on their way to the site.

In response, personnel from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Capiz, together with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Mambusao, conducted a rescue and assessment operation.

The rescue team was led by Jean Carla Ibañez, officer-in-charge chief of the Conservation and Development Section of PENRO Capiz.

The team also included Park Attendant II Analie Medina and Vincent Bolante of CENRO Mambusao.

They were assisted by MENRO officer Ramie F. Detaro and members of Bantay Dagat in Panay under the leadership of Punong Barangay Alex Bigcas.

During the assessment, the team found identification tag 1204 B on the turtle’s flipper.

The tag confirmed it was the same turtle that had been rescued, assessed and released on March 24, 2026.

The initial examination showed no visible physical injuries.

The team then attempted to release the turtle back into the sea.

However, the turtle stayed afloat at the surface and did not immediately swim away.

Because of that behavior, the team transferred the animal to a temporary holding area in Barangay Dumolog, Roxas City, for closer observation and further assessment.

The juvenile green sea turtle measured 44 centimeters in curved carapace length.

It also measured 42 centimeters in curved carapace width.

“We appreciate the prompt response of our field team to the reported stranding incidence of the sea turtle, and the vigilance of the local government unit of Panay in reporting ASAP,” said Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla.

“Marine turtles play a key role in balancing ocean health, and they are the ecosystem engineers that maintain seagrass beds and coral reefs,” he added.

Green sea turtles are protected wildlife in the Philippines under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and are classified as endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09.

DENR 6 urged the public to immediately report marine turtle strandings to the nearest DENR office, local government unit or Bantay Dagat.

The agency also reminded residents not to touch, carry or handle stranded turtles unnecessarily because improper handling may cause additional stress or injury.

It said turtles should not be placed inside sacks, bags or other improper containers because these can restrict movement and cause severe stress.

DENR 6 advised the public to keep stranded turtles in a shaded and safe area while minimizing noise and disturbance until trained responders arrive.

The agency said trained wildlife responders should be allowed to conduct the rescue, documentation and assessment.

DENR 6 said community involvement in reporting marine turtle strandings remains a priority because it is essential to the survival of endangered species. (DENR-6)