Philippine Navy saves sea turtles

The Navy and the Philippine environmental workers saved 14 sea turtles after they caught the poachers' nets.

>>>Sea turtles about to become extinct?

Philippine law prohibits hunting sea turtles.

AFP said the Philippine Department of Environment staff and naval troops went to the waters near Balabac island on June 13 to rescue turtles. They removed 15 turtles from the fisherman's net, but one died.

Major Ferdinand Atos, a Philippine naval officer, said some people discovered turtles caught nets and told officials.

'Sea turtle catchers enter the waters near Balabac Island with speedboats and spread nets. We obtained a net about 200 meters in length and dropped 14 turtles into the sea , 'Atos said.

Balabac, the farthest west island of Palawan, is home to many animals that people do not see anywhere else in the world. According to Atos, poachers of sea turtles regularly enter the waters near Balabac Island.

Sea turtles are animals protected by Philippine law. Those who arrest them can face a maximum prison sentence of 12 years.