A whale shark, known locally as "butanding," was discovered dead along the shoreline near the border of Barangay Singcang-Airport and Barangay 35 in Bacolod City. The male shark, measuring approximately 6 to 7 meters in length and weighing between 2 to 4 tons, was buried on Friday morning at the Bacolod City Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Felisa.
Authorities initiated the burial process following a quick assessment that indicated minor injuries on the whale shark's body. However, it was believed the animal likely succumbed to natural causes. Fisherman Jerry Leonores reported that he initially observed the whale shark getting trapped in a fish net before it was freed. Despite efforts to release it, the shark was later found stranded on a sandbar during low tide.
In recent weeks, the number of whale shark sightings in the area has apparently increased, paralleling the onset of the northeast monsoon season, which brings an uptick in plankton and small fish—two key dietary components for the whale shark.
Baclod City Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed his hope that this incident would mark the end of similar occurrences along the city’s shores. He referenced the incident as part of a natural cycle but stressed the wish for it to be the last such stranding recorded in the area.
The city mobilized multiple departments to handle the burial of the whale shark, including the City Agriculture Office, the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), and the City Engineer’s Office. This coordinated effort underscored their commitment to preventing any potential public health risks associated with the deceased marine animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What species of whale shark was found in Bacolod City?
The species found was a male whale shark, locally known as "butanding."
How did the whale shark end up on the shore?
The whale shark reportedly entered a fish corral and became entangled in a net, after which it was freed but later stranded on a sandbar during low tide.
What measures were taken after the whale shark was discovered?
The whale shark was buried at the Bacolod City Sanitary Landfill to prevent public health risks, with involvement from various city departments.
Reporting by Teddy Coranes for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.