RAWIS, LEGAZPI CITY – The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reports that a municipal court in Sto. Domingo, Albay has set for Sept. 10 the Pre-trial of a fisherman from this locality who is accused of holding in captivity a Green Sea Turtle or scientifically known as “Chelonia Mydas,” an endangered specie.
Capturing said animal is and punishable under RA-9147, known as “the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.”
The fisherman identified as Buyito Orosco has reportedly posted some Php.12,000 bail for his temporary liberty.
The suspect is reported to have tied a Green Sea Turtle to a floating sea-marker or “voya” causing trauma that eventually caused the turtle’s death along the shorelines of barangay San Isidro in Sto. Domingo town.
By procedure, the suspect should have handed-over the turtle to the local DENR. But Orosco is reported to have captured the turtle for his own consumption.
Newly installed DENR Regional Executive Director Gilbert Gonzales said that Orosco’s case should serve as a warning to would-be violators that messing up with protected species shall be penalized under the environmental laws. (SONNY SALES)