Residents in Barangay Naasug found the 17-foot long fish, apparently in a state of decomposition, on Saturday, Oct. 1. They sought help from the Bantay Dagat and the maritime police. It was the first time a dead whale shark, also known as butanding, was found at the coastal village facing the Visayan Sea. Authorities suspect the fish died a natural death. The species has an average lifespan of around 50 to 70 years.

Zabal, B. R. (2016, October 3). Whale shark found dead on Malay shore. Panay News, p. 6.