Killer whales spotted in Verde Island passage

A guide in the Verde Island Passage could not hide her excitement upon seeing killer whales up close.

According to Kuya Kim Atienza's report on "24 Oras," Crystal McDel's boat was along the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity when she and her fellow passengers spotted the killer whales or orcas.

"Excited kami kasi alam namin na ang sightings ng orca dito sa Philippines is super rare," she said.

Crystal added that the orcas were 50 meters away from the boat, and that there were four to six of them.

"Super big deal siya kasi usually ang orcas nakikita sa mga bansang malalamig ang tubig, so makikita mo sila dito is once-in-a-lifetime experience," she said.

The Verde Island Passage, located between Luzon and Mindoro, is one of the most important parts of the ocean, not just in the Philippines but the whole world. The 1.4 million hectare space is home to 1,736 species of shore fish and more than 400 coral species, which is why it is called the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity.

Because of its unique and rich ecosystem, marine biologists from other countries visit the spot. Many fisherfolk also rely on their livelihood and food here.

The healthy coral reefs and seagrass beds of the Verde Island Passage meanwhile help coastal protection and support marine ecosystem resilience. However, marine life is threatened due to pollution, overfishing, climate change, heavy shipping traffic, reclamation, and industrial development. Many environmental groups are calling for its protection.

"We are one of the people that work, that focuses more on marine protected areas. We've got the highest density of marine biodiversity, so for you to witness that, it's amazing. And that's why we are also trying to protect it with everything that we can do," Crystal said. —Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News