GLAN, Sarangani Province — A giant sperm whale was found dead floating in the waters near Barangay Taluya, Glan, Sarangani Province at around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, prompting a coordinated response from several government agencies and environmental authorities.
According to the Sarangani Provincial Maritime Police Station of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, the incident was first reported by a member of Bantay Dagat who spotted the massive marine mammal drifting offshore. Authorities immediately moved to verify the report, deploying personnel from the Sarangani Maritime Police, Special Operations Unit 5 (SOU5), the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO), the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Glan, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Responding teams confirmed that the animal was a sperm whale, scientifically known as Physeter macrocephalus, one of the largest species of whales in the world. The carcass was carefully towed to the shoreline of a beach resort in the Tango area of Glan, where experts could conduct a closer examination and document the condition of the animal.
Authorities said the operation was carried out not only to determine the cause of the whale’s death but also to prevent potential environmental risks if the carcass remained drifting at sea. Officials are now preparing appropriate measures for the whale’s proper disposal or burial to avoid pollution and protect nearby coastal communities.
Investigators and marine experts have begun a thorough assessment of the whale’s remains, which may include necropsy procedures to determine whether the death was caused by natural factors, illness, injury, or possible human-related activities such as vessel strikes or marine debris. Officials emphasized that findings from the investigation will be crucial in strengthening protection efforts for marine wildlife, particularly species that play a vital role in maintaining the health of the ocean ecosystem.
Local authorities also urged coastal communities and fishermen to immediately report unusual sightings or incidents involving marine animals, stressing that timely information can help experts respond quickly and safeguard marine biodiversity in the waters of Sarangani.