Three dead and dozens sick after eating sea turtle stew

A tragic incident occurred in the Philippines where three individuals lost their lives and over thirty others fell ill after consuming a stew made from an endangered sea turtle. This unfortunate event took place in a coastal town known as Datu Blah Sinsuat, located in Maguindanao del Norte Province. The local Teduray community reported experiencing severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps after eating the dish last week. According to officials, at least 32 people required hospitalization due to their illnesses. Despite the fact that hunting or consuming sea turtles is illegal under the Philippines' environmental protection laws, some communities still partake in this traditional delicacy. The danger lies in the fact that sea turtles can ingest toxic algae, which can render them poisonous even if they appear healthy. Local official Irene Dillo informed the BBC that some pets, including dogs and cats, that were fed the same sea turtle also suffered fatal consequences. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of these unfortunate deaths. The sea turtle was prepared in a style known as adobo, a popular Filipino dish that involves stewing meat and vegetables in vinegar and soy sauce. Residents of Datu Blah Sinsuat, a town celebrated for its beautiful white sandy beaches and clear waters, typically rely on the sea for their food. Ms. Dillo expressed her sorrow over the incident, noting that there are plenty of other seafood options available in their village, such as lobsters and fish. Most of the individuals who were hospitalized have since been discharged, while the three who tragically passed away were buried immediately in accordance with local customs. Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr, a local councillor, stated that he has instructed local officials to strictly enforce the ban on hunting sea turtles in the area, vowing that such a food poisoning incident will never happen again. It is important to note that most sea turtle species are classified as endangered, and it is illegal in the Philippines to collect, harm, or kill any of them. However, some cultures still hunt sea turtles for their flesh and eggs, which are believed to possess medicinal properties. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred; in 2013, 68 individuals in the Eastern Samar Province of the Philippines fell ill after consuming a sea turtle, resulting in four fatalities. This incident highlights the critical need for awareness regarding the consumption of endangered species and the potential health risks associated with eating certain marine animals. It serves as a reminder for communities to respect environmental laws and to seek safer alternatives when it comes to food choices.