Endagered sea turtle freed

ROXAS City — An endangered sea turtle specie that was kept by a fisherman for five days was freed yesterday. Camelo Alaban of Brgy. Cogon, this city, helped release the Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) back to the sea. Alaban, who captured the sea turtle on morning of January 25, believed that the animal was swept by a strong wave toward the beach in Brgy. Cogon. He said he immediately put the sea turtle on a fish cage for safekeeping, and informed the city officials and other concerned government agencies about it. According to Sherly Villasor, forester I of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Capiz, the sea turtle measures 66 centimeters long and 55 centimeter wide, and weighs about 15–20 kilos. The sea turtle is getting weak, the reason why the city government decided to bring it back to the sea near the Olotayan Island. Councilor Powell del Rosario also helped free the sea turtle. He is the chair of the Committee on Environment, and president of the Save Olotayan Inc., a private environmental organization. Witnessing the release were City Agriculturist Salvador Borda, former Libas village chief now head of the city's Bantay Dagat Solomon Alisais, and some town residents and members of the media.