NEWS
RESCUED PAWIKAN SUCCESSFULLY REHABILITATED AND RELEASED
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN - A green turtle (Chelonia mydas) rescued from Bagong Bayan, Puerto Princesa, was successfully released to the waters of Puerto Princesa on September 29, 2026, following several months of care, rehabilitation and monitoring.
The turtle was found and reported by local community members including Pawikan Patrollers in Bagong Bayan on March 14, 2026. It was weak and unable to lift its head, indicating that it required immediate care. The Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) was contacted by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) to assist with transporting the turtle to a rehabilitation facility in the city. The turtle stranded just a week after LAMAVE hosted the first Marine Turtle Medical Workshop, in collaboration with the Sea Turtle Rescue Alliance, which trained veterinarians from the Philippines, Malaysia, and India in turtle medical care and rehabilitation.
With the veterinary team support of Lt. Ned Cassey Tablac of the Philippine Coast Guard Field Veterinary Unit and Dr. Glenn Rebong of the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, the turtle underwent multiple blood tests, ultrasound examinations, and other health assessments throughout its rehabilitation. Additional medical advice and support, including the donation of the ultrasound and blood testing equipment, were provided by the Sea Turtle Rescue Alliance.
Several fibropapilloma tumors were identified on the turtle. Fibropapillomatosis is a disease that causes tumors on sea turtles and can affect their ability to feed, swim and survive. During the months that followed, the tumors showed signs of regression, while continued care, feeding, and monitoring helped the turtle regain strength and weight.
After several months of rehabilitation, the turtle was assessed to have regained sufficient strength for release and was returned to the waters of Puerto Princesa on September 29.
The successful rehabilitation and release was made possible through the combined efforts of LAMAVE’s volunteers and staff, the Puerto Princesa City Pawikan Patroller Network, City ENRO, Lt. Tablac, Dr. Rebong, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSDS), Western Philippines University staff and students, and Palawan State University (PSU), who contributed their time, expertise, and effort to the turtle's recovery.
Puerto Princesa City provides important habitat for green turtles. Continued monitoring, responsible use and protection of these waters are essential to supporting the species and the wider marine ecosystem.
If you encounter a stranded or sick pawikan
If you encounter a stranded, injured, sick or distressed pawikan, report the animal to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) or the Puerto Princesa City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) as soon as possible.
Early reporting allows trained responders to assess the animal and determine the appropriate course of action.
PCSD:
0970-302-8554 (Smart)
(048) 433-1131 (Landline)
PCSD Wildlife Traffic Team:
0935-116-2336 (Globe)
0948-937-2200 (Smart)
PCSDS Enforcement Team:
Central – 0951-320-8791
South – 0916-954-6919
North – 0912-575-3527
Calamian – 0907-660-5619
Notes to Editors
The Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna and their habitats in the Philippines. LAMAVE works through scientific research, policy, and education.
The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) of Puerto Princesa is mandated to protect, conserve and preserve the environment of the City.
The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) is a policy-making body under the Office of the President established through Republic Act No. 7611 (Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act) in 1992. Through the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), it supports the implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and management of the Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) framework in Palawan. PCSD Official Website
LAMAVE and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) operate under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a collaborative project to enhance marine megafauna conservation in Palawan, including marine wildlife stranding response, rescue and rehabilitation.
The Sea Turtle Rescue Alliance is a network for sea turtle rescue centres to share clinical knowledge and data to enhance medical practices at facilities worldwide, supporting the global conservation effort for these endangered species.