SAN NARCISO, Zambales — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), along with local government personnel, wildlife responders, and coastal communities, rescued and returned two marine turtles to the sea during rough coastal conditions brought by the southwest monsoon at Barangay La Paz here.

Edward Sernadilla, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City, said Pawikan Rangers rescued and assessed a 13-centimeter juvenile hawksbill turtle (𝘌𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘮𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘺𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢) after it washed ashore and safely returned it to the sea.

Sernadilla said responders later rescued a 50-centimeter olive ridley turtle (𝘓𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘺𝘴 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢) that got entangled in discarded fishing net near the local fish landing area. The turtle sustained deep wounds on its flippers and a chip on its carapace.

PawiCare personnel, together with DENR staff, treated the turtle’s wounds, assessed its physical condition, and fitted it with identification tag PH 1070A before releasing it into the waters.

San Narciso Mayor La Rainne Abad Sarmiento led the release of the rehabilitated turtle, joined by representatives from the DENR, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and other wildlife responders.

The incident underscored the threat posed by discarded fishing gear, or ghost gear, which can entangle and injure marine animals, the DENR said.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo urged coastal communities and fishing groups to properly manage fishing gear and report marine wildlife incidents to the appropriate authorities.

He also encouraged coastal communities to promptly report stranded, injured, or entangled marine turtles to local environment offices or trained wildlife responders for proper assessment and handling.

DENR Zambales Provincial Head Marife Castillo, meanwhile, commended residents and Pawikan Rangers for their quick response in handling the stranded turtles, and reminded the public not to handle or release stranded or injured marine turtles on their own, particularly when the animals are entangled in fishing gear, and instead seek assistance from trained responders. ▲