Antique: A marine turtle was found dead by a fisher along the coastal area of Sitio Sumakwel in Barangay Malandog, Hamtic. The turtle had a wound on the right side of its head and is believed to have been tossed by strong waves.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hamtic Designated Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Rosalie Sapla reported that the turtle, discovered on Thursday, weighed approximately 80 kilos and is suspected to be male. Sapla, who visited the site on Friday, mentioned that they could not confirm if it was a green turtle, as it was promptly buried by the fisher who found it.

Sapla highlighted that coastal residents in Barangay Malandog often witness marine turtles hatching eggs or returning to the area. She advised locals to geotag areas where they see turtles hatching eggs and, if feasible, to erect a fence for egg protection.

Furthermore, Sapla and personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office urged fishers and coastal residents to refrain from burying any future dead turtles they might encounter, as this would allow for proper examination and assessment.