Fisherfolk in Casiguran, Aurora, rescued a whale shark trapped in a floater net in Casiguran Bay on 4 February 2025.

According to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), the whale shark was discovered by father-and-son fishermen Domingo and Jerald Viaje near the waters of Barangay Cozo. Upon finding the weakened whale shark entangled in the net, the Viajes quickly freed it and reported the incident to Barangay Cozo officials, who then informed MENRO-Casiguran.

MENRO and the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) responded promptly, advising the fishermen to guide the whale shark to a nearby fish corral, allowing it to rest and recover from the ordeal.

“Mabuti at wala namang sugat o gasgas na nakita sa katawan ng butanding. Ang pagliligtas sa buhay ng mga katulad nitong endangered species ay isa sa mga tungkulin natin, dapat natin silang pahalagahan,” said MENRO Watchman III Edison Curitana.
(Fortunately, no wounds or injuries were found on the whale shark’s body. Rescuing endangered species like this is one of our responsibilities, and we must value them.)

With the help of local fisherfolk, including members of the indigenous community, the whale shark was successfully escorted back to open water around 11:13 AM after regaining its strength.

The whale shark, scientifically known as Rhincodon typus, measured approximately six meters in length. It is classified as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

MENRO expressed gratitude to the volunteers who assisted in the rescue, noting that the incident reflects the growing awareness among local fisherfolk about the importance of marine conservation and ecosystem protection.