Stranded whale rescued in Aparri

A stranded whale was rescued near the shores of Barangay Bisagu in the town of Aparri, Cagayan on 21 January 2026.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 (BFAR2), personnel from the BFAR2, Philippine National Police, local government of Aparri, local government of Claveria, and the Philippine Coast Guard, immediately responded to the stranded mammal.

BFAR2 stated that when it was first spotted at the said area, volunteers and personnel from the Aparri LGU provided immediate supportive care. Afterwards, LGU veterinarian Dr. Julie Ann Altares checked the condition of the whale to ensure proper steps in responding.

The whale was then taken to the Cagayan Valley Marine Technology Outreach Station (CVMTOS) sa Claveria, Cagayan with the help of the PNP and PCG to undergo proper rehabilitation.

CVMTOS Farm Manager Dr. Aeron Mayor said that the whale will be closely monitored to evaluate its state and condition. He added, “Ang BFAR Region 2 ay may mga pasilidad na kayang magcater ng rehabilitation at recovery ng ating mga stranded na marine mammals...”

The whale was also subjected to health monitoring and assessment, as well as being given medicine, led by Focal Person for Marine Mammals for Region 2 and agency veterinarian Dr. Jefferson K. Soriano.

The assessment stated that the whale is a female Pygmy Sperm Whale or Kogia breviceps, with a length of 240 centimeters, and a weight of around 150 kilos.

Meanwhile, another whale was found stranded in the town of Calayan, Cagayan on 22 January 2026. The PNP, PCG, and LGU Calayan immediately responded to the scene.

Currently, there are two incidents of marine mammal stranding recorded in the province of Cagayan this month of January, a reason the BFAR2 and other agencies are now more vigilant on guarding the shores of the province.