Green sea turtle spotted near Limasawa Island port

A green sea turtle, also known as pawikan, was spotted near the port of Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte. 

In Kuya Kim Atienza’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, vlogger Clyde Urgello said he was surprised by his unexpected encounter with a pawikan upon arriving at the port in Magallanes, Limasawa. 

“Sa ibang lugar, kailangan pang mag-swim para makita 'yung mga pawikan. Pero doon, nasa port lang mismo at ang laki pa nung nakita namin," Clyde said. 

"May nakita kaming mga bata, naliligo sila. Normal lang kasi sa kanila na maraming pawikan sa port  e. Parang wala lang sa kanila. Pero sa amin, sobrang special na 'yun kasi rare moment talaga 'yun e,” he added.

According to marine biologist Glenville Castrence, the frequent sightings of pawikan (Chelonia mydas)—a species classified as threatened—may be due to Limasawa’s relatively low levels of pollution.

“Isa sa maaaring maging dahilan kung bakit nakikita ang mga pawikan sa bahaging ito ng isla ay dahil relatively mababa ang antas ng polusyon at ang pagkakaroon ng malusog kasi ng mga seagrass beds at coral reef ecosystem,” he explained.

“Kaya nakikita natin, hindi lang sa mga coastal areas kahit sa pantalan, 'yung area ng Limasawa is napaka-pristine pa,” he added.

Castrence also reminded both tourists and locals to follow responsible wildlife interaction guidelines.

“Ito 'yung iwasan ang paghawak, paghabol o paglapit nang sobra sa mga pawikan. Mahalaga rin ang waste management at marine conservation practices upang mapanatili nating ligtas ang kanilang natural habitat,” he said.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News