A weakened and injured whale was rescued by residents and authorities after it was washed ashore in Barangay Bolong, Zamboanga City on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Fishermen in the area said the whale was swimming near the shore and they guided it back toward the deeper part of the sea. However, the animal swam into a mangrove area where it eventually got stranded and struggled to move.

Fishermen disembarked from the boat to guide the whale out of the mangroves.

“Pagdagsa niya, gitabangan na lang namo, ipagawas then kanang ipadala namo sa lalom, mobalik gihapon siya padulong gihapon sa Pagatpatan (mangrove),” one of the rescuers, Rowin Alviar, said.

Despite their efforts, the whale reportedly returned to the area reportedly, prompting them to bring it closer to the shore and seek assistance from authorities.

“So nag-decide among grupo nga ipadala gyud sa daplin kung asa makita sa BFAR, or Coast Guard,” Alviar added.

Barangay Bolong chairman Ruben Coros said the whale appeared weak possibly due to injuries in its belly and upper body after being examined by the City Agriculture Office and the City Veterinary Office.

After receiving treatment, the whale measuring around nine feet in length was released back into the sea.

However, the whale was ashore again morning on Wednesday, December 24.

“Mibalik siya dinhi sa baybay, meaning to say, kanang animal, murag dili niya kaya moadto og layo, sa lalom nga bahin sa dagat, busa mibalik kini, so actually, luya ang animal, tungod sa mga samad. Ang samad nga lingin sa tiyan, posibleng dunay miigo niini o di ba kaha gidunggab,” Coros said.

Residents and authorities brought the whale back to the sea and are monitoring whether it will return to the shore.