Oarfish spooks residents in Surigao del Norte town

Residents of the municipality of Malimono, Surigao del Norte were filled with dread after an oarfish was caught in the waters off their coast, according to a report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Saturday.

Jouralie Petros said she was fishing when she realized she caught a big fish.

She thought she would be able to sell the oarfish but no one bought it in the market.

The oarfish which was caught measured 16 feet long.

Residents feared the discovery of the oarfish, which usually dwells in the deep part of the sea, as tragedy usually follows, they said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, however, said there is no basis for such fears.

The BFAR also ordered that the oarfish be buried since it cannot be eaten. —KG, GMA News