2 hawksbill turtles released back to sea in Boracay

A boatman in this resort island surrendered a pair of hawksbill turtle to the officials of the Malay Agriculture Office (MAO) on Tuesday.

Felex Balquin, marine biologist of MAO, said the boatman has been using the two turtles as part of his attractions during his island hopping activities in Boracay.

"The boatman had surrendered the said hawksbill which is considered endangered after days of negotiations with him. Our office decided not to file charges against him because he positively coordinated," said Balquin.

One of the turtles measure 31 centimeters in length and 20 centimeters in width while the other one is 27 centimeters in length and 22 centimeters wide.

"We returned to the shore the two sea turtles after documentation and checking their health," said Balquin.