From Spratlys to Scarborough, pati ba naman fishponds, nanghihimasok din ang China?
Invasive Chinese Turtles Infest Philippine Fishponds - Yahoo! News Philippines

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga - Officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 3 expressed alarm on Monday over the proliferation of an invasive species of turtle that now threaten Central Luzon's local fish population and other aquatic animals.

DENR Region 3 Executive Director Maximo Dichoso said his office has been receiving complaints from fishpond owners and operators about the turtle species preying on local fish species, particularly bangus and tilapia fingerlings.

Citing the complaints, Dichoso identified the problem as the growing population of the invasive Chinese softshell turtle, the scientific name of which is "pelodiscus sinensis."

These softshell turtles have reportedly invaded hundreds of fishponds in Pampanga, Bulacan, and nearby provinces in the region, prompting DENR authorities to create a task force to look into the animal's distribution, feeding habits, and reproductive characteristics.

"The Chinese softshell turtle has been classified as an invasive alien species (IAS) introduced in the country in the 90s," Dichoso said.

The DENR official also warned the public against propagating or raising the animal as a pet.

Today, the reptile is considered a threat to local biodiversity and a pest in the multi-million fish industry of Pampanga, Bulacan and Bataan, said Dichoso.