Three Dead in Illegal Sea Turtle Meat Poisoning

Three people died and over 30 were hospitalized in the Philippines after consuming sea turtle meat, which is illegal to capture as turtles are an endangered species. The incident occurred in an indigenous Teduray village in Maguindanao del Norte, where traditional practices sometimes involve eating sea turtle, considered a delicacy despite the health risks. Symptoms experienced by the victims included vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal spasms, attributed to toxins such as chelonitoxin in the turtle meat. Health officials have issued warnings against consuming sea turtle meat, and local authorities are investigating the incident while emphasizing the need to enforce the ban on hunting the species. Similar incidents have been reported in other regions, underscoring the ongoing conflict between traditional practices and modern health advisories. Most of those hospitalized have been discharged, but the community is reeling from the tragedy and the need to adhere strictly to environmental protection laws has been reiterated.