ILOCOS NORTE – A green sea turtle, measuring 43 centimeters long and 36 centimeters wide, was released back into the sea in Badoc, Ilocos Norte on Monday afternoon.

The sea turtle was accidentally caught by six fishermen from Barangay Saud, Badoc on Monday morning.
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According to Willie Tacderan, one of the fishermen, they are aware that catching the sea turtle is punishable by law, so they immediately reported the incident to the Barangay Fisherman Association.

“Kaming mga magingisda dito sa Barangay Saud, alam namin na may parusa ang manghuli (ng sea turtle). Ayaw din naming silang huliin at kainin dahil kabilang na sila sa mga endangered species,” Tacderan said.

The presence of turtles and other marine mammals in the sea of Badoc and other parts of the province is a manifestation of its abundant food sources and clean environment.

The provincial fisheries regulatory office has requested fishermen to turnover to the agency any sea mammal that would be accidentally caught while fishing.

Sea turtles and marine mammals are protected under the Philippine law and catching them is punishable by imprisonment of at least 12 years.