Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and members of Bantay Dagat released yesterday back to their habitat the two hawksbill turtles found in Barangay Balaring, Silay City.

CENRO Joan Gerangaya of Bacolod City said the turtles were found by Balaring residents who turned them over to Bantay Dagat members.

One of the turtles was kept for almost a year in a pond under the supervision of the City Agriculture's Office because of a wound in one of its flipper-like arms, he said. The other one was found by the residents on Christmas day.

Although hawksbill turtles in the country are not yet endangered, those who kill them, hold them in captivity, and refuse to turn them over to the DENR can be punished under Republic Act 9147 or the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats Act, Gerangaya said.

He added that the turtles from Balaring were released to the sea, 15 kms from the shoreline.

Hawksbill turtle or `pawikan' in the dialect, can be distinguished from other sea turtles by its sharp, curving beak with prominent tomium, and the saw-like appearance of its shell margins.

It is often encountered in shallow lagoons and coral reefs where it feeds on its chosen prey, information provided in the internet says.*NAB

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