DAVAO CITY (September 17, 2025) — Three individuals were arrested in Maasim, Sarangani Province for the trapping and killing of endangered sea turtles, a serious violation of Philippine wildlife protection laws.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the suspects were caught through a joint operation by the Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO-SBPS), the PNP Maritime Group, the Maasim Municipal Police Station, and the local government of Maasim.
The arrests fall under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits the hunting, killing, or trade of endangered and critically endangered species.
DENR-12 Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix Alicer underscored the ecological dangers of such acts.
“The killing of sea turtles is not only against the law, it destroys balance in marine ecosystems. Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy coral reefs, seagrass beds, and fisheries, which in turn support the livelihoods of our coastal communities. Protecting them is protecting our own future,” Alicer said.
Authorities recovered the turtle’s carapace, meat, and even cooked flesh during the operation.
The DENR strongly condemned the incident and renewed its call for the public to stop harming wildlife, stressing that the loss of endangered species threatens biodiversity and food security.
The identities of the three suspects have not yet been disclosed as charges are being prepared. -Althea Beatrice Caduaya Felizarta
