PASUQUIN, Ilocos Norte, Philippines – A 10-foot long whale was found dead near a beach resort here yesterday morning, authorities said.
Senior Inspector Joseph Baltazar, Pasuquin police chief, said Richard Folliente, caretaker of MC Place beach resort in Barangay Susugaen, found the dead whale at around 6 a.m. yesterday.
The whale, according to Baltazar, measured 10 feet long and 27 inches wide, weighed 250 kilograms and was about three years old.
Upon learning about the whale, local authorities, including Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources officer Reynaldo Questin and members of the Pasuquin Fishery Aquatic Resources and Management Council, rushed to the area.
Authorities said the whale was apparently stressed out and was washed ashore by strong waves triggered by Typhoon Isang that hit the northern provinces the other day.
Whales have frequented Pagudpud, three towns away from Pasuquin, becoming an attraction to tourists.
The whales gather in Pasaleng Bay, especially during the Holy Week when tourists abound in Pagudpud’s beaches.
Authorities could not say if the dead whale came from Pagudpud town.