Dead shortfin mako shark washes ashore in Cauayan, Negros Occidental

A lifeless shark was caught by residents in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, the dead animal was a 200-kilogram dead shortfin mako shark that was washed ashore and then butchered and consumed by the local community before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) arrived to inspect it.

The shortfin mako shark is globally recognized as the fastest shark species, capable of swimming up to 60 kilometers per hour, and is known for its strength and sharp teeth.

Despite its formidable nature, it rarely attacks humans.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the shortfin mako shark as endangered, primarily due to overfishing and bycatch.

"Sa lahat ng mga nahuhuli na patay na, kahit na sabihin natin gaano sila ka-fresh pero wala tayong idea kung ano 'yung ikinamatay, kumbaga kumakain tayo ng mga double dead. Hindi natin pwedeng maalis na talagang may contamination na," MSU-GenSan College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences faculty Glenville Castrence said.

"Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ng Republic Act 10654, o 'yung Philippine Fisheries Code, 'yung paghuli, pagkuha, pagkakaroon, at pagbenta ng mga aquatic species na nakalista sa batas at kasama na diyan 'yung mga pating. So ibig sabihin, kung hindi sila pwedeng hulihin, hindi rin sila pwedeng kainin," Atty. Rizzle May R. Ostia-Alburo said.

Penalties range from P300,000 to P3 million and imprisonment from five to eight years. 

"Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance," she said. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News