Dead butanding found in Southern Leyte

Ronnie C. Roa | October 23, 2022

A dead whale shark was found along the seashore of Brgy. Benit, San Ricardo, Southern Leyte afternoon of October 10.

Police personnel led by Police Lt. Jaraid Dollesin together with Municipal Agriculturist and Environment Office Lauro Elejorde, Jr. responded to the report from Coast Guard PO1 Chevanren M. Bermoy regarding a dead whale shark or locally called ‘butanding’.

The said fish measured 3-4 meters and weigh about 300 kilograms. It has a cut wound believed to be hit by a ship propeller which caused its death. It was then buried the following day.

The butanding is an endangered species. It is classified to be the world’s largest fish yet despite its tremendous size, it is friendly and approachable. It is an icon in Philippine tourism with many places in the country boosting its tourism industry with the presence of whale sharks in its seas.