Negros oriental: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Negros Oriental is calling on coastal communities to actively participate in the protection of marine life by collaborating with authorities during incidents of wildlife stranding.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jimmy Panebio, the provincial chief of the DENR, highlighted the recent rescue of an endangered hawksbill turtle in Sibulan town as an example of successful cooperation in the preservation of marine species. Panebio reported that the turtle was found by a fisherman on Thursday afternoon showing signs of weakness and an inability to return to deeper waters.

The fisherman, Jay Jabagat, discovered the "weakened" hawksbill turtle while fishing near Barangay Poblacion, Sibulan. He brought the turtle to shore and immediately informed the municipal agriculturist's office. The DENR-Ta±on Strait Protected Seascape personnel were also notified to assist in the rescue operation.

Panebio noted that the hawksbill turtle had a DENR metal tag, indicating a previous encounter with a DENR office. These tags are used to track the movements, growth, and survival of sea turtles. Initial observations showed the turtle had no physical injuries but was weak, leading field personnel to keep it under observation at the Bantay Dagat outpost in Barangay Cangmating, Sibulan, until it regains strength to be released back into the sea.

The turtle, identified with Tag No. PH 0290E, is under the care of the authorities while the DENR's Biodiversity Management Bureau works to gather more information about it. Panebio stressed the importance of awareness, education, and rapid response from coastal communities in aiding distressed marine creatures. The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is classified as "critically endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.