Manila, Aug. 3 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) lauded a fisher from Roxas City, Capiz after his prompt report led to the rescue and safe release of a critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle which got caught in a fishing net off Barangay Talon.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna on Monday commended Arnold Bongalonta, saying his actions enabled authorities to respond before the juvenile hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) suffered harm.

"By immediately reporting this entanglement, he saved a critically endangered life and proved that our local fishers are indispensable partners in conservation," he said.

The DENR Capiz reported on Friday that while on his way home, Bongalonta found the turt...