Residents of Batasan Island, a barangay in the municipality of Tubigon, Bohol, have rescued and released a green turtle that was stranded in their mangrove area.
The turtle was discovered by a shellfish gleaner on March 6, 2023, who reported it to Lucilo Minguito, a local leader. Minguito and other residents retrieved the turtle and brought it to a makeshift fishpond in the coastal area of the island.
They also informed the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Tubigon about their find. The MENRO staff examined the turtle and found no wounds on its body.
The next day, March 7, 2023, the residents released the turtle back to its natural habitat with the assistance of MENRO personnel.
The green turtle is one of the endangered species of marine turtles that are protected by law. It is illegal to catch, kill or trade them.
Batasan Island is one of the five island barangays of Tubigon. It has a population of 871 as of 2020. It is known for its rich marine resources and mangrove forests.