Another dead whale found in Ilocos

LAOAG CITY, Philippines – A dead whale weighing about 60 tons was found by a group of bikers along the shore of the coastal village of Navotas here yesterday.

Authorities said the whale was already decomposing when it was found.

It was the second dead whale reported found in the province of Ilocos Norte. Last week, a 10-foot long whale was found near a beach resort in Pasuquin town.

Arthur Valente, fisheries regulatory coordinator of the provincial agriculture office, said the male toothed whale was the longest seen along the province’s coastal line. He said it measured 17.5 meters long.

Anthony Ganal, one of the bikers, said that from a distance, they mistook the whale for an upside down banca.

Valente asked the city government to provide a burial site for the whale.

Authorities believed the whales were washed ashore by waves during the onslaught of typhoon Isang last week. – Teddy Molina, Raymund Catindig, Charlie Lagasca, Artemio Dumlao