Five hundred turtle hatchlings were released on Wednesday in Baguan Island, Turtle Islands, by Philippine Navy personnel, environment and local officials, and community members, alongside a coastal cleanup drive. Baguan Island, a major nesting site for the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), is part of the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS), a protected area critical for marine turtle habitat. Rear Admiral Francisco Tagamolila Jr., Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Joint Task Force Poseidon, emphasized the Navy’s commitment to environmental security. The initiative was a collaboration with the local government of Turtle Islands, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE-BARMM), and the community. Mayor Hji Mohammad Faizal H. Jamalul expressed pride in protecting their natural heritage and thanked the Navy and MENRE-BARMM for their support. TIWS was designated as the 60th ASEAN Heritage Park last year. Recognized for its high biodiversity conservation value, TIWS was declared a Turtle Island Heritage Protected Area through a 1996 Philippines-Malaysia agreement and is part of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia Marine Sea Turtle Site Network. The sanctuary is a premier ecotourism destination offering activities like turtle watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, birdwatching, and nature walks. (Frencie L. Carreon/MindaNews)
