Philippines charges Chinese turtle poachers

Authorities in the Philippines are charging nine Chinese nationals for illegally entering Philippine waters and for poaching.

The nine were arrested for poaching marine turtles in Palawan and they are suspected of stuffing the marine turtles as ornamental purposes.

Officials found nets and chemicals as well as at least two stuffed marine turtles on the poachers’ boat.

The vessel was caught off the waters of Palawan province in the southwestern Philippines where the critically endangered Philippine forest turtle is found.

Police in Palawan province have also raided a farm and seized at least 1,200 turtles.

They are pursuing a Chinese businessman who owns the farm and is suspected of smuggling the turtles out of the country.