Local officials attempt to remove a spear from the head of a Pawikan in Dauin, Negros Oriental. Photo by Annie Perez, ABS-CBN News



DAUIN – A Russian national is facing charges for violation of the Philippine fisheries code after he speared a green sea turtle, locally known as pakiwan, in the waters off Barangay Maayongtubig.

The endangered turtle died in the incident.

Anton Likharev said that he was just trying to spear a fish and did not notice the turtle. He said there were no signs in the area that turtles should not be disturbed.



Republic Act No. 8550, the Philippine Fisheries Code, prohibits the fishing of prohibited species.

Pawikan are among the most endangered turtles in the world, with five species found in the Philippines.

One species, the hawksbill, is listed as "critically endangered" on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

The coastline of Dauin in Negros Oriental has been named a marine sanctuary by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.