An endangered melon-headed whale was rescued after it was found stranded along the shore in Glan, Sarangani on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12), the team from the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) secured the area immediately by controlling the crowd and reducing noise and other disturbances after finding that the whale was emaciated severely and suffering from buoyancy impairment, leaving it unable to swim normally.

The whale, which was found to be male and measuring 247 centimeters in length, was monitored throughout the night to prevent dehydration while waiting for favorable conditions so responders can continue rescue interventions.

DENR-12 said the marine mammal named later as “Uno” marked the first recorded melon-headed whale to undergo rehabilitation at the SBPS-Marine Wildlife Rescue Center (MWRC).

After the rescue, responders provided continuous supportive care to stabilize the whale before safely transporting it on Sunday, July 19 to the MWRC, where it remains under intensive treatment and close observation.

“The Melon-Headed Whale is strictly classified as an Endangered Species in the Philippines under Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 208-1, Series of 2024. This order, which updates the list of rare, threatened, and endangered aquatic species, provides full protection to all whales, dolphins, and porpoises (CETACEA spp.),” DENR-12 said.

Under existing regulations, the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has technical jurisdiction over marine mammals while DENR oversees the protected seascape where the incident occurred.

“This multi-agency approach ensures that both the welfare of the animal and the integrity of the protected area are prioritized,” DENR-12 added.