Samar, Philippines - A huge endangered sea tortoise locally known as "pawikan" become an instant popularity after was caught on the coast of Brgy. Sta. Rita, Marabut, Samar and caused rage on social media.
It might be a great catch for the fisherman Jessie Amora, but it set a man under fire on social media after posting pictures of him riding the back of the endangered animal. Netizen's claims hi act is an animal cruelty.
According to an interview with Jessie Amora, the tortoise accidentally entered his fishing net. He immediately asked the proper authorities for help in returning the creature back to the sea. But before authorities came for rescue, a man named Jose Lastimado took a picture of him riding the tortoise's back, which he then posted on Facebook. Lastimado's cousin Gerry Grafil also tried to ride on the tortoise's back but was warned for possible offense.
Hours later after the picture become viral on Facebook, Lastimado deactivated his account.
Philippines has a law enforcing the protection of both endangered and wild life known as the RA 9147 or Wild Life Act.
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