A female sperm whale was found dead floating offshore adjacent to Barangay Taluya, Glan, Sarangani on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12), the marine mammal may have been dead for several days before it was found.

A member of the Bantay Dagat reported the incident to the Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO-SBPS).

Based on observation, the 12.3-meter whale may have originated from Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion and was likely carried by sea currents into Sarangani Bay.

“Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales in the world and typically inhabit deep offshore waters, migrating across large marine regions,” DENR-12 said.

After collecting samples, authorities buried the carcass.

“The incident highlights the transboundary nature of marine wildlife and the need for broader conservation efforts beyond local waters,” DENR-12 added.