Authorities in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, rescued a disoriented sperm whale stranded near the Poral shoreline on March 21. An inter-agency team guided the large animal to deeper waters. Community volunteers continue to monitor the whale.
In Cotabato City, a disoriented sperm whale was found struggling in shallow waters near the Poral shoreline in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, on Saturday, March 21. Local officials, Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, and Philippine Coast Guard members helped move the animal to deeper waters. Employees of the Kalamansig Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and barangay officials confirmed the rescue via radio reports on Sunday. The whale is 54 feet long, weighs at least 10 tons, and has a midsection circumference over 30 feet. It remains under watch by community volunteers and the local Bantay Dagat team. Some Poral residents received criticism from environmental advocates and officials after videos showed people approaching and riding the stranded whale. Onlookers left the area when police, firefighters, and Coast Guard arrived for the operation. Officials reminded the public to report such sightings and avoid disturbing marine wildlife.