Palawan’s brave trivial pursuit

A press release from the Provincial Government today announced the province’s bid to write a record in the Guiness Book. It read:

One of the new exciting events highlighting the Baragatan Festival sa Palawan 2008, the Longest Seafood Grill is set on June 23 right after the Saraotan sa Dalan, the Cuyono phrase for street dancing.

It came with a photo release of government officials cooking reportedly 20 kilos of fish in open fire last Sunday during the annual festivities’ soft opening.

Puerto’s police chief relieved

By Redempto Anda
Philippine Daily Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 17:15:00 06/02/2008

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Mimaropa Regional Office Monday ordered the relief of the controversial police chief of Puerto Princesa City who has been facing several complaints of abuse of authority filed by local citizens.

PNP Mimaropa Regional Director Luisito Palmera arrived in the city on Saturday carrying the relief order of Superintendent Enrique Ancheta, according to Senior Superintendent Dennis Peña, Palawan provincial police director.

Ancheta, who took a leave of absence, was in Manila and was not available for comment.

City officials, on the other hand, were mum about Ancheta’s relief order and his replacement by an officer in charge, Superintendent Romy Estepa.

Tagged and released

This adult female green marine turtle was caught in a fish trap off Puerto Princesa beach just 200 meters from my house yesterday afternoon.

Dr. Terry Aquino (center, standing), a local marine mammal specialist, estimates it is at least 60 years old and heavy with eggs.

Green sea turtles are classified as “endangered” species by the International Union for Conservation (IUCN). This momma was promptly tagged and released by the City’s Bantay Puerto team.