At least 14 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), or “butanding,” have been seen feeding in Sarangani Bay since last month, prompting local and environment officials to appeal to coastal communities to protect these sea creatures. Nilo Tamoria, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional director in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) said some of the butanding were recently seen feeding in the waters off Barangay Silway during the monitoring that started in late February. The Task Force Butanding-GenSan said this made the Philippines the second country, after Mexico, with the most number of whale sharks, quoting a report from Wildbook for Whale Sharks, a global online library that provides a visual database of whale sharks encounters around the world.

Sarmiento, B. S., & Fernandez, E. (2019, March 12). Whale sharks return to Sarangani Bay; Execs urge study to protect 'gentle giant'. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A8.