MANDAUE CITY, Philippines – A Fraser’s dolphin that was rescued from a shallow area off Mactan Channel near the Pajara Park under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, was already released back to the ocean by members of the Bantay Dagat Mandaue on Tuesday morning, March 9, 2021.
Lawyer John Eddu Ibañez, executive secretary of Mayor Jonas Cortes, said they released the dolphin a kilometer away from Barangay Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City.
Ibañez said they asked the permission of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) before releasing the dolphin which was found on the Mandaue side of the bridge.
He said the dolphin, which was around 4 to 5 feet in length, was in good condition and did not have any injuries.
Steve Tuñacao, a fisherman, found the dolphin in a shallow portion at the mouth of the Butuanon River after he heard its sound while catching baby shrimps.
He said he tried bringing it to deeper waters but the dolphin would still return to the area.
Tuñacao said he was worried that other people might catch and slaughter the dolphin if he’ll let it stay longer in the area that’s why he decided to bring it to Pajara Park through the help of other fishermen.
Louie Maestrado, head of the Animal Health Division of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said the dolphin may have been separated from its pod while hunting and got lost. /rcg