A SEA turtle, locally known as “pawikan,” was found dead in the shoreline of Bonbon, Samboan, Cebu last Wednesday morning.
The marine turtle sustained injuries on its head when found floating by residents in the coastal village at 10 a.m., the police said.
During inspection, a remaining part of a metal, which could have caused its death, was found on its head.
Insp. Carmechaelo Lesoy, the town’s police chief, said they received a call from Village Chief Alvino Villarin regarding the presence of the turtle.
Immediately, a police team was dispatched to respond to the call wherein the turtle was already brought to the road when they arrived at the area.
Bryan Lusano of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 conducted the inspection and found the injuries on the turtle.
The turtle was 56 centimeters long and weighed 104 kgs.
Lesoy, when interviewed by Sun.Star Cebu, said the turtle could have been hunted down or got hit by the blade of a motorized banca.
Lesoy said he hasn’t received reports of fishermen hunting for turtles, which is used as an exotic dish. The town’s Bantay Dagat is active in protecting marine animals, he said.
The consumption of turtles hogged the news early this year after it was found that it is still being served in one of the barangays in Cebu City.
Under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, anyone who is involved in the selling and trade of pawikan meat shall be imprisoned for two years and is mandated to pay a fine of up to P200,000.
The same penalty applies for anyone who eats the meat of the endangered species.
A stiffer penalty of four to six years of imprisonment as well as a fine of P500,000 await the person who slaughter the pawikan.