The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Sara has recorded the first encounter of Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) spotted laying its eggs along the shoreline of Bantigue Islet, Brgy. Gabi, Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo on March 5, 2023.

CENRO Sara constantly monitoring and coordinating with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Carles thru the office of Municipal ENRO to keep track the progress and refrain tourists from visiting the nesting site. Expected hatching will be late April to mid-May, this year or within 45-75 days after laying.

Furthermore, a tagging and release of trapped Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) was done at the coastal area of Brgy. Cabasi, Guimbal, Iloilo on April 17, 2023. The activity was conducted by CENRO Guimbal personnel spearheaded by CENR Officer Vivente T. Mellizas, Jr.

It was tagged with PH 1768M and has a length of 43cm, width of 36cm and weighs 25 kgs. It was seen trapped in the fishing gear by Mrs. Lalaine Gelvoleo, resident of Brgy. Cabasi last April 16, 2023 and informed the CENRO Guimbal for rescue and release.

The Hawksbill turtle are tagged as Critically Endangered, while the Green sea turtle are tagged as Endangered by the international Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The DENR in Region 6 is always reminding the public the importance of balanced biodiversity and constantly encouraging reporting similar cases to the authority for proper action and to fully ensure proper protection of their population.