2 dead Cuvier's beaked whales found in Antique, Philippines

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Posted at 09/24/2011

Report from Regi Adosto, ABS-CBN Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines - Two dead whales have been recovered from the shore of Barangay Laua-an, Antique Friday morning.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has identified the two whales belonging to the family of Cuvier’s beaked whale.

Both whales were female, measuring an approximate length of 4 meters and weighs around 200 kilograms.

Residents in the area admitted that they would have butchered the whales if not for the authorities’ advice.

“Gusto naming tikman ang laman ng balyena dahil patay na ito, kaya lang pinagbawalan kame ng mga opisyal,” said Miguel Tolentino.

The initial investigation revealed several wounds on the recovered aquatic animals’ bodies.

Mayor Aser Baladhay couldn’t help but extend his dismay on the possibility that the injuries have been inflicted by local fishermen in the area.

He said, “Maraming sugat ang mga hayop. Kahit na bawal, ‘di parin maiwasan ng mga mangingisda na saktan ang mga ito. Sana lang naman matuto na ang mga ito para na rin sa importansya nga mga hayop.”

This is not the first instance wherein a sea mammal has been washed along the shoreline of Antique.

In order to protect the sea creatures within the area of Laua-an, a local ordinance has already been passed to help preserve the aquatic resources.

The local government is now set to launch an information campaign to educate the residents about this new ordinance.

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