A green turtle and a saltwater crocodile were rescued in two separate wildlife incidents in Quezon, Palawan on March 5, according to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS).
In a press release, PCSDS said its Wildlife Enforcement Team received reports of a turtle caught in a fishing net in Barangay Tagusao and a crocodile trapped in a net along a creek in Barangay Sowangan.
The incidents prompted a joint response involving several agencies including PCSDS, the Palawan Special Battalion of the Philippine Marines (PSC), the Palawan Provincial Government (PPG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR–CENRO) Quezon.
According to the press release, the team first proceeded to Sitio Tando in Barangay Tagusao where they confirmed that the wildlife involved was a green turtle that had been accidentally caught in a baklad or fish trap.
“After proper assessment and documentation, the turtle was immediately released back to its natural habitat,” PCSDS said.
Authorities then responded to another report in Sitio Maburak, Barangay Sowangan, where residents found a crocodile trapped in a net along a creek.
“The animal was initially rescued by local residents before it was turned over to authorities. After a thorough assessment, it was decided that the crocodile could be released back into the wild as it did not require further care or relocation,” the agency said.
PCSDS said the successful rescue and release of the two animals underscored the importance of coordinated action among government agencies and local communities in protecting wildlife.
