A 56-KILOGRAM female green sea turtle was rescued on May 2, 2025, in Samal Island after being found weak and floating by the Coast Guard Station Island Garden City of Samal (CGS-Igacos), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA).
The turtle was discovered along Purok 5, Brgy. Tagpopongan in Babak District, Igacos. The rescue was carried out through the collaboration of the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Emergency Response Unit (MEP ERU-Igacos), Brgy, Tagpopongan officials, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro-Igacos), and the City Veterinarian’s Office.
“The rescued turtle was found along the coast of Brgy. Tagpopongan and was immediately assessed by the authorities. Following the rescue, the Green Sea Turtle was safely transported to the City Nursery located in Brgy. Peñaplata, Samal District, Igacos for further observation and care,” CGS-Igacos posted on its Facebook page on May 3, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Samal Island Information Page stated on its Facebook page that the turtle had been transferred to Cleanergy Park in Davao City for rehabilitation. However, the post has now been deleted.
The rescue of the green turtle followed the recent deaths of two other green sea turtles in the same area, raising concerns about threats to the endangered species and emphasizing the urgent need for stronger marine conservation efforts.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the green sea turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, classified as endangered and protected under Philippine law.
The green sea turtle is safeguarded under Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. This law prohibits the killing, harming, trading, or possession of marine turtles — including green sea turtles — their eggs, or shells. Violators may face imprisonment or be required to pay specified fines. RGP