An adult dwarf sperm whale was found stranded at a river in Barangay Pugaro, Dagupan City.

Local fishermen assisted the whale, which appeared weak and unable to swim. Blood was seen coming from a wound. They tried to catch the whale for transport to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) but the whale died later because of its condition.

The whale's remains were turned over to BFAR for examination.

The whale measured 6.1 feet.

As of this writing, BFAR's National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center is investigating several possible reasons for the whale's stranding. 

“Maaaring disoriented siya, dahil nasabugan ng dinamita, or may sakit siya mamatay na talaga siya kaya humiwalay na sa grupo. Kung nasabugan siya, possible na disoriented [siya, dahil] sira na yung kanilang hearing organ, [dahil] itong [sperm whale ay] nagna-navigate through echolocation,” Dennis Tanay, Chief Aquaculturist at NIFTDC Dagupan, said.

The whale was subjected to necropsy to determine the exact cause of death.