9 spinner dolphins found dead in Negros Oriental

A total of nine spinner dolphins have now been found dead in different areas in Negros Oriental.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, around 10 dolphins were seen swimming in the shores of Barangay Luka in Tanjay on January 25.

Residents and the local government tried to help them, but they ended up getting stranded in Barangay Canlargo, Bais City.

The following day, three of the dolphins were found dead, followed by three more on January 27, 28, and 31.

Over the weekend, three more were discovered lifeless in the mangrove area of Barangay Manipis in Tanjay.

In a statement, the local government of Bais said that the remains of four dolphins underwent necropsy.

It was found that they had lung trauma caused by severe underwater pressure or a strong explosion. Due to the injuries, the dolphins, which are mammals, not fish, drowned.

"Doon sa lesions po, meron na po siyang nangingitim na part, so assumption namin it could be matagal na, kumbaga chronic 'yung na experience ng dolphin kaya siya nag-stranding kasi nga nanghihina siya," city veterinarian Dr. Melanie Pescadilla said.

Authorities are investigating how the dolphins got the injuries.

"Isa siya sa mga dahilan, pero hindi natin alam kung is it really dynamite fishing or meron lang underwater activities. 'Yung ear niya po ay nasa loob, hindi sa labas. Kahit po malayo 'yung blasting, let's say 150 meters, malaki na po 'yung epekto," she said.

—Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News