Business · Philippines Bureau
Bacolod orders burial of three-ton whale shark found dead on shore
Authorities in Bacolod City have ordered the burial of a massive whale shark discovered stranded along a city shoreline on Friday. The cause of death remains undetermined pending further investigation.
LSN Philippines ·
BACOLOD CITY — A whale shark weighing an estimated three to four tons has been ordered buried by city officials following its discovery on the shoreline of Barangay 35 on Friday morning.
Mayor Greg Gasataya issued the directive after the marine mammal was found dead along the coast. The city government's immediate response included deploying the City Agriculture Office to assess the deceased creature and coordinate disposal procedures.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the whale shark's death. A joint on-site assessment by relevant agencies was conducted to examine the animal and gather initial findings, though results of a comprehensive examination have not been disclosed.
The burial order was implemented to address public health and environmental concerns associated with the large carcass. Whale shark strandings, while uncommon in Philippine waters, occasionally occur along coastal areas throughout the region. The incident marks a notable event for Bacolod's marine resources management.