E.B. MAGALONA, Negros Occidental – A five-year-old whale shark (butanding) which was trapped inside a fishpen was finally released to the ocean by the fishermen of Sitio Panawsahon, Brgy. Tuburan, this town.

Billy Platisaka, a fisherman, said the whale shark weighs 1,000 kilos and is seven meters long.

“This is the second time I saw a whale shark. The first time was during my younger years. The whale shark is friendly and it’s really amazing to see this creature,” he said.

He added that instead of killing the whale shark and selling its meat, they decided to release it instead.

“I believe that seeing this creature brings good luck,” said Analyn Demalata, who also witnessed the releasing of the sea mammal.

Whale sharks are usually found in the seas of Donsol, Sorsogon.*