Tacloban Waters Remain Vital Habitat for Protected Sea Turtles

Posted on Jan. 16, 2026 at 8:57 am

TACLOBAN CITY — The rescue of a young green sea turtle in Tacloban waters this month has drawn attention to the importance of protecting marine wildlife that regularly passes through the San Juanico Strait, a vital marine corridor between Leyte and Samar.

On January 4, a green sea turtle was safely returned to the sea after being turned over to the Fisheries Law Enforcement Team (FLET) by a fisherman from Barangay Rawis, Tacloban City. The turtle was accidentally caught in his fishing net while he was fishing in the waters off Basey, Samar, across the strait.

Instead of keeping the animal or releasing it without proper assessment, Amarilla immediately informed authorities, aware that sea turtles are protected by law. His prompt action allowed wildlife officers to ensure the turtle’s safety and condition before its release.

Upon turnover, FLET personnel conducted documentation and a physical examination and confirmed that the turtle was in good health and had no serious injuries. At around 3:00 p.m. the same day, the juvenile green sea turtle—later nicknamed “Anderson” by responders—was released back into the sea in the coastal waters off Tacloban, near the Rawis–Anibong side of the San Juanico Strait, an area known for its shallow waters and mangrove-lined shoreline.

According to Felix Dumlao, head of the Fishery Law and Enforcement Team of Tacloban, sightings and occasional accidental entanglements of sea turtles are not uncommon in this body of water. The San Juanico Strait and nearby coastal areas of Tacloban serve as feeding and transit routes, particularly for juvenile green sea turtles that forage on seagrass beds and algae found in shallow coastal zones.

“From time to time, we receive reports of sea turtles being sighted or accidentally caught in fishing gear in these waters,” Dumlao said. “Most of these incidents are unintentional. What matters is how people respond.”

FLET used the incident to remind the public—especially fishermen—that immediate reporting and proper turnover are critical when protected wildlife is encountered.

“Do not harm, sell, or keep sea turtles,” Dumlao said. “If one is accidentally caught, report it right away so it can be properly assessed and safely released. Protecting marine life is a shared responsibility.”

Green sea turtles are protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits the killing, capture, transport, trade, or consumption of endangered wildlife, including all species of marine turtles. Violators face possible imprisonment and substantial fines.

Marine experts note that sea turtles have long been part of the Eastern Visayas marine ecosystem, including the waters surrounding Tacloban. While not all species are endemic to the area, the region’s coastal waters play an important role as feeding grounds and passageways. Their continued presence is often seen as an indicator of a relatively healthy marine environment.

Authorities said the successful rescue and release of “Anderson” highlights how awareness and cooperation at the community level can directly contribute to wildlife conservation.

“One fisherman’s right decision ensured that this turtle was able to return to the sea,” Dumlao said. “We hope this serves as an example for others.”