For hundreds of years, marine turtles lived in the vast oceans and they coexist with humans in many countries and shores each time they visit land. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had reported many sightings of marine turtles nesting in Western Visayas. Boracay Island, for one, has been tagged as the “turtle haven” because of the simultaneous releases and discovery of turtle nesting sites on the island. Ellen Flor Solis of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) noted that this is the second leatherback turtle that was reported rescued on Panay Island. Solis has been working with sea turtles rescue for the past 15 years.

Lute turtle rescued in Culasi, hawksbill on Guimaras Island. (2020, September 20). Business Mirror, p. A7.