Whale sharks spotted in Ormoc Bay

Some five whale sharks (butanding) were sighted at the Ormoc Bay, specifically at the city’s fish sanctuary, and they have been displaying affection to the villagers since Thursday August 29. The people flocked to the area by boat on Saturday and they, especially the kids, enjoyed so much with the rare presence of the species.

The whale sharks were spotted delightfully dipping and twirling the seas at about 500 meters from the shoreline of Brgy. Linao and Naungan. With the appearance of the local dwellers, the smallest one displayed friendship and seemed wanting to play as it often surfaced and wiggled its tail. The biggest was estimated at 11-meter long with mouth opening of more than a meter. The planktons at the city’s fish sanctuary have attracted the whale sharks as these serve as their food, according to the city agriculture.

Although it remains unpredictable how long the whale sharks would stay at the area, the Bantay Dagat that spotted them said there were also butandings in Ormoc Bay in August 2011. The locals called them “janggol.” The 802nd Brigade Philippine Army based in Ormoc City assisted the Bantay Dagat in providing protection to the marine specie.