Sperm whale stranded, dies in Masbate

A large sperm whale was stranded along the shores of Barangay Panisihan and Barangay Dapdap in Uson, Masbate.

The whale measured around 16 meters in length and weighed approximately 40 tons.

According to a resident, the whale appeared to be in distress, prompting a response from Philippine Coast Guard personnel to assist in returning it to the sea. 

Despite the initial efforts to guide the whale back to deeper waters, the creature reportedly still drifted back to the shore, and eventually died.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), a potential reason for the stranding could be the whale's weakened state due to malnutrition or an underlying health condition.

As of this writing, plans are underway for the proper disposal of the whale carcass to avoid affecting local residents.

"Option A [ay] hihilain natin yung carcass ng sperm whale papunta ulit sa malalim na area ng dagat, and yung option B po ay magsasagawa ng chopping and ililibing siya," Neil Justin Romano of BFAR-PFO Masbate, said. —GMA Regional TV