AN OLIVE Ridley sea turtle, locally known as “pawikan,” was accidentally caught by a fisherman in the waters off Sitio Pasil, Barangay Poblacion in San Enrique town yesterday morning.
Senior Inspector Rey Molas, chief of San Enrique Municipal Police Station, said 57-year-old fisherman Carmelo Cañete found the sea turtle trapped in his fishing net around 6:30 a.m.
Molas said upon bringing the “pawikan” at the seashore, Cañete along with other residents immediately reported the incident to the police station.
“Our personnel then responded to the area and coordinated with concerned agencies including the City Environment Resources Office (Cenro)–Bago,” he added.
Cenro personnel checked the condition of the animal. The 16-inch sea turtle has no wound or any manifestation of mistreatment.
After tagging the sea turtle, authorities released it back to the sea.
Molas called on the public to immediately report to the police similar incidents, as he urged them not to hurt the animal.