A hawksbill sea turtle was returned to the sea after being accidentally caught by a local fisherman the previous day.

Julie Taniegra, a resident of Barangay Bote, Catanduanes unintentionally captured the turtle during a fishing trip last Sunday, February 9, and immediately turned it over to authorities.

The turtle, measuring 34 cm in carapace length, 31 cm in width, and weighing 3.5 kg, was released off the coast of Bote, Bato, Catanduanes.

Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) oversaw the release, ensuring its safe return to its natural habitat.