Photo credit: DENR Soccsksargen

Glan, Sarangani Province — A massive 12.3-meter female sperm whale washed into the waters off Barangay Taluya on February 22, prompting an urgent response from environmental authorities and marine specialists after the animal was found in an advanced state of decomposition.

The whale, identified as a Physeter macrocephalus, was assessed as Code 3, meaning it had likely been lifeless for several days before drifting into Sarangani Bay.

Experts Move Quickly to Study and Lay the Whale to Rest

The veterinary team from the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), together with marine mammal experts and the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), conducted measurements and collected tissue samples for laboratory analysis.

Researchers believe the whale may have come from the Sulu–Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion, a shared marine highway for migratory species, before currents swept it toward Sarangani’s shores.

Once data collection was completed, the whale was properly buried, with GPS coordinates logged to allow possible scientific exhumation in the future.

Joint Team Mobilized After Initial Report

The report first reached the Protected Area Management Office of SBPS (PAMO-SBPS) through Bantay Dagat member James Selim. This prompted fast coordination among:

• LGU-MENRO Glan
• CENRO Glan
• PNP Maritime Group
• Philippine Coast Guard
• LGU-OMAG
• DA-BFAR

A floating asset from the PNP Maritime Group helped tow the whale toward Barangay Tango, allowing specialists safe access for examination, documentation, and disposal.

A Reminder of How Connected Our Seas Really Are

Sperm whales—recognized as the largest toothed whales on Earth—usually roam deep offshore waters and are known for traveling across vast marine regions. Because of this, experts say the incident highlights how marine wildlife travels across political and ecological boundaries.

PAMO-SBPS stressed that protecting migratory species requires cooperation beyond local waters, especially within interconnected seas like the Sulu–Sulawesi region and Sarangani Bay.

The agency emphasized that robust interagency coordination and sustained regional partnerships with neighboring countries are crucial for safeguarding marine wildlife.

Next Steps for Conservation

Samples collected by SBPS and BFAR will undergo laboratory testing. The findings will support long-term marine mammal records and help strengthen conservation work in the region.

Authorities reiterated their call for communities to immediately report sightings of distressed or drifting marine animals to ensure a timely response and protect the bay’s biodiversity.