Green Sea Turtle Rescued After Entanglement in Fishing Net Off Romblon

A green sea turtle was rescued after it was found entangled in a fishing net off Barangay Buenavista in the Looc town of Romblon on Wednesday morning (September 9). The turtle (Chelonia mydas) was spotted by local fisherman Ivan Palacio Conanan Jr., who immediately reported the incident to authorities, according to the Looc Municipal Public Information Office. After checking the turtle and confirming that it was in good condition, the responders from the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) and the Coastal Resources Management (CRM) carefully freed it from the fishing net and released it back into the sea. The rescue team was led by Susan Noche, with MFARMC Vice President Joseph Gregorio and member Richard Fabellar. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the green sea turtle is classified as an endangered species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09. Sea turtles and other wildlife are also protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which seeks to conserve wildlife species and their habitats. Marine life conservation is a significant issue in the Philippines, with bycatch from fishing activities posing a serious threat to marine creatures, including sea turtles. This rescue highlights the importance of community cooperation and swift official action in protecting endangered species.