The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Caraga (BFAR-13) has condemned the killing of an injured pregnant shark in Agusan del Norte.

It is clarified that the incident happened in Barangay Cabayawa, Tubay not in the neighboring barangay of Caasinan, Cabadbaran City as reported earlier.

The injured shark was reportedly washed ashore and was still alive when residents captured and dragged it out of the water.

One of the residents said they thought initially that it was a blue marlin they saw.

“Ang iyang ikog, ang palikpik, abi namo’g blue marlin bitaw, bariles, kay mura man gud siya og bariles. Pagbira sa mga kauban nako, hijo man diay,” the resident said.

“Hadlok kaayo kay first time pa gyud ko nakakita og hijo since birth,” he added.

In a video footage, one of the residents hit the shark and it died shortly after.

In a statement, BFAR-13 said beachgoers attacked and captured the weakened shark due to fear and misunderstanding.

The shark was found with a hook in its mouth and injuries on its head and tail.

BFAR-13 is investigating the alleged perpetrators.

According to BFAR-13, the shark measured 2.76 meters in length and 0.53 meters in width.

The shark also started giving birth to 30 pups and 29 of which were released successfully into the sea.

BFAR-13 said sharks play an important role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystems.

“Sharks serve as apex predators, regulating the balance of marine life by keeping populations of prey species in check. Their presence ensures the stability of marine biodiversity, which in turn supports the productivity of our local fisheries and the overall health of our coastal waters,” BFAR-13 said.

“The loss of these key species, especially a pregnant female, disrupts the ecological balance and may negatively impact our marine resources and affect the livelihoods of the coastal communities,” BFAR-13 added.

BFAR-13 also warned the public that killing, fishing, harming, or trading protected shark species and other marine wildlife are against the law under the Philippine Fisheries Code.

Violators may be fined up to P5 million and may be imprisoned for up to 20 years, if convicted.

“As such, DA-BFAR urges local government units, fisherfolk, and coastal communities to respect and protect marine wildlife. The Regional Bureau remains committed to strengthening its efforts through education, law enforcement, and partnerships to prevent similar incidents in the future,” BFAR-13 said.