903rd Bde facilitates release of captured sea turtle in Castilla

Sea turtle captured in Castilla, Sorsogon. A sea turtle locally known as “Pawikan” measuring 29 inches length and 27 inches width was caught by a fisherman off the waters of Brgy. Poblacio, Castilla, Sorsogon. and brought to the 903^rd Brigade headquarters on Friday, February 22, 2013. The turtle was released by the personnel of Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Provincial ENRO-LGU and 903^rd Brigade. No BFAR tag was seen in the turtle, an indication that it was captured and released for the first time. (photo: 903rd Bde)

Captured sea turtle was released at the Castilla Seaport.

CASTILLA, SORSOGON, February 26 (PIA) – A sea turtle locally known as “Pawikan” measuring 29 inches length and 27 inches width was caught by a fisherman and brought to the 903^rd (Fight & Defend) Brigade (Bde) headquarters on Friday, February 22, 2013.

903^rd Bde Spokesperson Capt. Mardjorie Paimela P. Panesa, said the “pawikan” was brought to the Brigade headquarters by Eugene I. Gilliam, a Bantay-Dagat member, who also reported that it was seen captured by a certain, Welard Camata, a fisherman in the same town.

“Immediately, we reported the incident to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Provincial ENRO-LGU, the primary agencies concerned for recovery and release of marine species as such. Our brigade assisted them in releasing the turtle at the seaport of Brgy. Poblacion, Castilla, Sorsogon,” said Capt. Panesa.

She also said that no BFAR tag was seen in the turtle, an indication that it was captured and released for the first time. However, since there was no available tag at that moment to attach into the turtle, BFAR has instead tied a plastic knot at the lower part of the turtle’s shell for marking purposes.

Colonel Joselito E. Kakilala, 903^rd Brigade Commander said, it was the first time he saw a “pawikan” caught since he was installed as Brigade Commander. He reminded local residents, especially those residing in the coastal barangays of Castilla to immediately report and inform concerned agencies or if not report to the 903^rd Brigade once they catch marine turtles.

He likewise appealed to the local folks not to capture, slaughter nor eat endangered species as such because there are penalties set for those who will be caught doing so. “As responsible citizens, we should be protectors of these marine species because nowadays, “pawikans” are rarely to be seen,” he added. (PA/BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)