Two sea otters were spotted swimming in the waters of Taganak, Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi on Sunday August 31, 2025.

According to a police officer who captured and uploaded the video online, they often feed the otters with fish.

“Minsan, may dala po kaming mga isda pinapakain namin yung mga sea otter,” Patrolman Mariben Khan, Taganak Maritime Special Boat Crew of the PNP 1st Special Operations Unit, said.

Khan added the otters are often spotted while they are patrolling the area and are also seen frequently resting near the port.

He said this was not the first time they have sighted the animal on the island. They believe that the animal may have drifted to the Philippines from Malaysia.

“May possibility po na galing sa Sandakan (Malaysia) yung sea otter pero okay po kasi mas maganda napadpad sila dito naprotektahan namin,” Khan said.

Authorities have been warning residents strictly against harming the animal.

“Mga bata sinasabihan din namin na bawal nilang batuhin ng bato or any object na pwedeng mag cause na para masaktan yung mag otter kasi minsan hinahabol nila,” Khan added.