MAGALLANES, Agusan del Norte — A short-finned pilot whale (𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘳𝘩𝘺𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘴) that was found stranded in the estuary of Barangay Buhang, Magallanes, was successfully rescued and released back into the open sea on Saturday afternoon, August 9.

According to the Marine Mammal Stranding Response Team of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga, the stranded whale was first spotted by a local resident around 10:30 in the morning and later reported to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Magallanes Sub-station. The PCG immediately coordinated with the Municipal Agriculture Office and DA-BFAR for assistance.

When responders arrived, the 3.63-meter, 300-kilogram whale was visibly weak and leaning on its right side, unable to stay upright without support. The animal bore multiple fresh wounds—likely from collisions with structures in the docking area—and an older injury near its blowhole with a remnant of a suspected speargun tip lodged inside.

Under the supervision of volunteer-rescuer and veterinarian Dr. Leona G. Nortega, the foreign object was carefully removed, the wound was treated with antiseptic, and a vitamin B-complex shot was administered to boost the whale’s energy before it was released back into the sea.

Due to strong currents in the area, rescuers transported the whale to Barangay Caloc-an for a safer release. Following continued supportive care, the whale regained its strength, displayed regular breathing patterns, and was able to maintain an upright position. It was released successfully at around 3:00 in the afternoon.

The rescue operation was a joint effort of DA-BFAR Caraga, PCG Magallanes Sub-station, the Municipal Agriculture Office, local government officials, and concerned residents.

DA-BFAR Caraga reminded the public to immediately report similar incidents to authorities to ensure the safety and survival of stranded marine animals.# (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)

*With reports and photos from Dennis Brylle Balambao of the Fisheries Integrated Laboratory Section.