Two Southeast Asian Box turtles (𝘊𝘶𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴) were turned over to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) by Mr. Jepee Valdestamon of Purok Ilang-Ilang, Barangay Sicsican and Mr. Joshua Bisquer of Barangay Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City on September 13 and September 14, 2021, respectively.
The first turtle was found by Mr. Ruben Orteza, Mr. Valdestamon’s brother-in-law, moving on the ground along the Rampano Road, Purok Ilang-Ilang, Barangay Sicsican, Puerto Princesa City on September 11, 2021, at around 7:00 PM.
The second turtle was found by Mr. Joshua Bisquer while he was walking along Nadayao Road, Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City on September 13, 2021, at 10:00 PM.
Mr. Valdestamon revealed that his brother-in-law was afraid that if the turtle was left alone, something awful would happen to it, so he brought it to their home to care for it. Knowing that it needs to be returned to its original habitat, Mr. Orteza requested Mr. Valdestamon’s assistance in turning over the wildlife species to PCSDS, where it may be protected and properly cared for. Mr. Valdestamon in turn reported the incident to the PCSDS Facebook page. Then, the PCSDS Wildlife Enforcement Team was immediately dispatched to retrieve the turtle on September 13, 2021.
Mr. Bisquer, likewise, brought the rescued turtle to his home to ensure its safety. He even went on Facebook and posted a picture of the turtle he found in the hopes that someone would direct him to the appropriate agency for the turtle’s retrieval. When he learned that he could turn over the turtle to PCSDS, he sought the assistance of his girlfriend, Ms. Shela Mae Ebo, who joined him in turning over the turtle to the PCSDS office on September 14, 2021.
The two Southeast Asian Box turtles, listed as “Endangered Species” under the PCSD Resolution 15-521, were in good shape when they were turned over to the PCSDS.
The PCSDS urges persons who happen to find or rescue wildlife to turn them over to our office, which can be contacted thru hotline numbers 0935-116-2336 (Globe/TM) and 0948-937-2200 (Smart/TNT). You may also send a message to our Facebook page for your other concerns.
