WWF-Phils continues stake out in Bataan after dolphins stranding

MANILA, Philippines – The World Wildlife Fund-Philippines on Wednesday continued observing the situation in the coastal area of Pilar town in Bataan, where some 300 dolphins were beached off on Tuesday. GMA’s Flash Report said the organization has not yet monitored any sightings of the electra dolphins, also known as melon-headed whales and many-toothed blackfishes, near Pilar town’s coastline. The report added that local fishermen resumed their livelihood, which was temporarily halted because of the dolphins’ stranding. WWF-Philippines also asked the residents in the area not to inflict harm and undue stress on the creatures should they return, the report added. Earlier in the day, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director Malcolm Sarmiento Jr. reiterated his appeal against catching or hurting dolphins. Sarmiento said Tuesday's incident where three of the dolphins died should be a grim reminder against such practices, adding that the electra dolphins are even considered a "threatened" species. But he also said the BFAR was heartened that local fishermen came to the rescue of the dolphins. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV