• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A dead whale shark, locally known as “butanding”, was found washed ashore along the coastline of Sitio Magsungay, Barangay Singcang-Airport, near Barangay 35, Bacolod City Oct. 30.
Fishermen discovered the lifeless marine mammal at around 4 a.m.
The male whale shark was estimated to measure six to seven meters in length and weigh between three to five tons.
“Although this is part of nature, we hope this is the last time our city gets to witness such a sad incident,” Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said.
Initial assessments noted injuries near the animal’s head and tail, though authorities have yet to establish the exact cause of death.
Personnel from the City Agriculture Office, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Philippine Coast Guard, Bantay Dagat, and the City Engineer’s Office responded to the site.
The carcass was transported and buried at the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa to prevent potential public health hazards. | TMD
