By I. Inojales | 03:24 PM October 15, 2025
GETAFE, BOHOL — A local fisherman from Getafe accidentally caught a massive Leatherback turtle early Wednesday morning, October 15, prompting a quick community-led rescue and release operation.
According to the Getafe Agriculture and Fishery Services Office, at around 5:00 a.m., fisherman Edwin Romo found the turtle entangled in his fishing net. The marine reptile measured approximately 192.04 centimeters in length, 112.78 centimeters in width, and weighed about 200 kilograms.
Upon discovering the entangled turtle, Romo immediately brought it ashore and sought assistance from Mayor Cary Monillas Camacho, the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) team, and the Philippine Coast Guard for proper handling and guidance.
The Leatherback turtle, identified as one of the largest sea turtle species and considered vulnerable under international conservation laws, was found to have a minor wound but remained active and healthy. After close monitoring to ensure it was fit to swim, the team carefully released the turtle back into the sea, ensuring its safe return to its natural habitat.
Local officials reminded the public and fishermen to immediately report similar incidents to authorities to help protect and conserve endangered marine species that thrive in Bohol’s coastal waters.
