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John Unson - Philstar.com
March 23, 2026 | 7:00am
A multi-sector environment-protection group is now watching over the rescued sperm whale to be guided back to the deep sea soon.
Handout
COTABATO CITY — An inter-agency team moved a disoriented sperm whale to deeper waters after it was found near the shoreline of a beachfront village in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat on Saturday, March 21.
Local officials, Bureau of Fire Protection personnel and members of the Philippine Coast Guard assisted in guiding the whale away from the shallow waters off the Poral area, where residents first spotted it struggling.
Employees of the Kalamansig Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and barangay officials confirmed the rescue, according to radio reports on Sunday.
The whale, estimated at 54 feet long and weighing at least 10 tons, remains under observation by community volunteers and members of the local Bantay Dagat team.
Local officials said the whale's midsection had a circumference of more than 30 feet.
Residents draw flak
Some Poral residents drew criticism from environmental advocates and local officials after videos showed people approaching and riding the whale while it was stranded.
Authorities said onlookers left the area when police, fire personnel and Coast Guard responders arrived to carry out the rescue.
Officials reminded the public to report similar incidents and avoid disturbing marine wildlife.
