A dead male blue shark (Prionace glauca) was discovered washed ashore in Barangay Lipit on Saturday morning, prompting a swift response from local officials and marine authorities. The shark was found at 10 a.m. by local resident Danilo Dupale, who promptly alerted village officials, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Municipal Agriculture Office.
Municipal Agriculture staff member Luzviminda Ramos confirmed the report and coordinated with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for proper handling of the situation. BFAR technician Aylwin Kelsey Abando reported that the shark measured 2.7 meters in length, had a circumference of 0.96 meters, and was estimated to weigh between 60 and 70 kilograms.
Photos and data were sent to the BFAR Regional Office, which later confirmed the species as a male blue shark, typically found in deep offshore waters. To mitigate health risks, BFAR ordered the carcass to be buried in a three-meter deep pit near the site of discovery.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the coastline and have urged residents to report any similar sightings.