THREE persons were arrested after they were caught in the act of capturing a green sea turtle in the waters of Barangay Caohagan, Lapu-Lapu City, Saturday afternoon, July 6, 2019.
Police Colonel Genaro Sapiera, chief of the Regional Maritime Unit Central Visayas, said the turtle was already dead when it was recovered by members of the 701st Maritime Police Station (Marpsta) and members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cebu Province.
Authorities identified the suspects as Darami Radja, 50, Barayan Alim, 32, and Julius Asamsa, 49. All of them are residents of Sitio Puntod, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.
Sapiera said the Marpsta and the CIDG Central Visayas were conducting seaborne patrol operation in the sea waters of Lapu-Lapu City and the neighboring islet of Barangay Cawhagan when they chanced upon a motorized boat carrying the three suspects.
“While the team approached the said pump boat, they saw the suspects throw a turtle into the sea. That’s the time the team proceeded to the direction where it was thrown and found the turtle lifeless,” Sapiera said.
Authorities recovered two improvised spear guns, two improvised diving fins, and two face masks.
A spear gun wound was found on the turtle’s carapace.
Sapiera said the dead turtle will be turned over to the Wild Life Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Visayas for documentation and proper disposition.
The three suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation Act. (SunStar Cebu)