On July 4, a collaborative effort between the Local Government Unit of E.B. Magalona, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bago City, Philippine Coast Guard, and the local Disaster Risk Management Council together with a veterinarian, Froilan Juntilla, DVM, as they gathered to witness the heartwarming moment when "Ecot" was joyfully released back into the vast ocean, where it truly belongs.

Last June 7, a juvenile Hawksbill Turtle named "cot" was accidentally captured by fishermen at Brgy. Manta-angan, E.B.Magalona, Negros Occidental and found out that the said marine creature had ingested a fishing hook.

Under the leadership of Municipal ENRO Jojo Garcia Vargas, a dedicated team came into action, recognizing the urgency of the situation. They consulted with Dr. Juntilla, to conduct necessary procedure.

The Hawksbill Turtle is one of the five species of sea turtles found in the Philippines. Regrettably, they are classified as Critically Endangered, with only an estimated 20,000-23,000 nesting females in count. Ecot's rescue and release serve as a significant reminder of the urgent need for heightened conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures and their fragile ecosystems.