By Tara Yap

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region VI (DENR-6) and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) recently released the endangered olive ridley sea turtle, which was rescued earlier this month in Tigbauan, Iloilo.
After being rescued by Rogelio Sanchez, the turtle was transferred to SEAFDEC, where it was examined.
The turtle was considered healthy and measured 59.8cm in length, 63.1cm in width, and weighed 15kg.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the species of sea turtle is known to help maintain the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds, along with giving refuge for birds by allowing them to perch on their shells.
“DENR is reminding the public to rescue any marine turtle, especially when they are found stranded, sick or injured,” noted DENR-6 Director Jim Sampulna.
Before its release, the turtle was tagged by the DENR-6 Wildlife Permitting Unit./WDJ