'Pawikan' saved on Badoc shore

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Police operatives rescued a 30-year-old “pawikan” (green sea turtle) on the shoreline of Barangay Pagsanjan, Badoc town, this province, Fishery Regulatory coordinator Arthur Valente reported Tuesday.

Valente said the green sea turtle, with shell covering of around 65 centimeters, was immediately returned to the high seas.

He said the officers from Badoc, Ilocos Norte responded immediately upon learning a report on the presence of the turtle in the area, saving it from the threat of being slaughtered for its meat. -- Freddie G. Lazaro