MANILA – Around 120 turtles were rescued in Balabac, Palawan. Authorities said the turtles were found hidden in mangrove plants. They said hiding the endangered creatures in mangrove plantations has become one of the modus operandi of poachers to avoid getting arrested. The rescued turtles were allegedly set to be sold to Chinese merchants. The animals were released to the sea following their rescue. Authorities are now searching for the people behind the illegal activity. – report from Rex Ruta, ABS-CBN News PalawanUmagang Kay Ganda, 31 January 2014, Rex Ruta, Palawan, turtle, endangered species.