A dead sperm whale was spotted in waters off Baclayon at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources officer-in-charge Leo Bongalos estimated that the large marine mammal died three days ago.
According to Bongalos, the sperm whale had several wounds all over its body as it was likely to have hit and grazed large underwater rocks.
However, Bongalos said that they would not be able to determine the exact cause of the animal’s death.
He pointed out that the whale had already started to decompose and emit foul odor.
The marine mammal likely travelled from Mindanao where sperm whales are often spotted, he added.
Meanwhile, the local government unit of Baclayon has started to look for a burial spot for the giant sea creature.
According to the National Geographic, average sperm whales weigh around 35-45 tons or approximately 30,000 to 40,000 kilos.
Sperm whales are often spotted in groups called pods of some 15 to 20 animals, it noted.
“Pods include females and their young, while males may roam solo or move from group to group,” it added. (A. Doydora)