CARAGA — Two marine mammals, a dugong and a sperm whale, were found deceased in different towns within the Caraga Region on Tuesday, sparking concerns and investigations by local authorities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the body of a dugong was discovered by residents floating near Barangay Tag-anongan. The remains were subsequently retrieved and reported to the relevant authorities, although the cause of death is yet to be determined as investigations continue. Meanwhile, in Pilar town on Siargao Island, the carcass of a sperm whale was located at Magpupungko Rock Pools in Barangay Pilaring. The decomposing whale was buried immediately without a laboratory examination due to health hazard concerns, as informed by an anonymous source from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Caraga Region.
These incidents have raised alarms about marine life safety in the area, with ongoing efforts to ascertain the reasons behind these unfortunate deaths.