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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Aumentado acts vs illegal whale shark feeding

Aumentado acts vs illegal whale shark feeding

Published Mar 9, 2026 04:50 pm
AUMENTADO FB)
AUMENTADO FB)
Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado has taken a firm stance against the prohibited whale shark feeding activities happening in some areas in the province.
Aumentado ordered the police and maritime authorities to go after individuals engaged in the illegal practice, noting its harmful impact on marine wildlife and the ecosystem's natural balance.
The governor issued the directive after receiving reports that unscrupulous individuals were allegedly feeding whale sharks, locally known as butanding, in the sea of Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City.
Acting on the governor’s instructions, the Tagbilaran City Police Station and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group conducted a joint visitation and inspection in the coastal waters near the Blood Compact Shrine early Friday morning.
The operation was led by Police Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober, chief of the Tagbilaran City Police Station, and Police Capt. Bonifacio Tañola, station chief of the Maritime Police Station.
During the patrol and shoreline inspection, authorities spotted a white yacht named Jirisan with body No. PH07-000165 anchored in shallow waters.
As police approached the area, two unidentified men on board an unmarked small boat were seen heading toward the yacht, but suddenly fled and abandoned their vessel after noticing the presence of law enforcers.
Upon inspecting the abandoned boat, authorities recovered a plastic container filled with uyap, or fermented shrimp, believed to have been used to feed whale sharks.
The boat and uyap were confiscated and turned over to the PNP Maritime Group for further investigation and possible filing of appropriate charges.
Authorities interviewed three individuals on board the yacht to determine if they knew the fleeing suspects and gather information about their activities in the area.
Police visited nearby households and spoke with residents to encourage them to immediately report any illegal whale shark feeding activities. Members of the Bantay Dagat in Barangay Bool were advised to remain vigilant and coordinate closely with authorities.
Aumentado stressed that the provincial government will not tolerate activities that threaten Bohol’s marine biodiversity. “We will not allow any activities that destroy our marine wildlife,” the governor said.
The governor said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol recently approved Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-004, also known as the Enhanced Marine Wildlife Interaction Ordinance, which imposes stricter regulations on whale shark interactions.
The ordinance prohibits the feeding of whale sharks and aims to strengthen the protection and responsible management of marine wildlife in the province.

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