Report: 70 pawikan seized from vessel off Palawan

At least 70 pawikan (giant sea turtles) were recovered from a motor launch off Balabac town in Palawan province, but the ship’s operator managed to elude arrest.

Operatives from the Philippine Navy and Philippine National Police acting on a tip boarded the ML Pagasa off Brgy. Bancalaan, radio dzBB’s Palawan affiliate James Viernes reported.

The report said at least 15 dead sea turtles were immediately seen by the operatives when they boarded the vessel.

Pawikan is considered an endangered species.

However, the Navy and police failed to make arrests as the operator may have been tipped off and fled before their arrival.

Authorities are verifying information that the operator was to deliver the pawikan to Chinese fishermen. — LBG, GMA News