Dead Dugong Found Under Coastal Home in Puerto Princesa
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — A dead dugong was discovered under a coastal house in Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City, officials reported on Thursday, August 21, 2025. The rare marine mammal, also known as a sea cow, was first spotted by local children playing near the shore.
Arlene Cardejon-Adricula, the homeowner, said the children informed her about the unusual sighting. “The kids found it around noon. We didn’t notice any foul smell. They just saw it, so we reported it to the authorities,” she shared. Unsure of what the creature was, she immediately sought help from local authorities.
Authorities Confirm the Dead Dugong
Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard’s Puerto Bay Marine Environmental Protection Unit soon arrived to inspect the carcass. They confirmed the animal was a dugong (Dugong dugon), a critically endangered marine mammal protected by law. The specimen measured approximately nine feet in length.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists dugongs as “vulnerable,” emphasizing the importance of their conservation. Community members expressed concern over the sighting of another dead dugong in the area.
Second Dead Dugong Found in Palawan in Two Days
Just a day earlier, residents of Barangay Caramay in Roxas town found another dead dugong washed ashore around 1 p.m. on Wednesday. The animal weighed about 100 kilograms, local leaders noted.
Bantay Roxas head Ed Agarap said the second dugong showed signs it might have been caught in a fishing net. “It was possibly trapped in a fishnet. We will be investigating the cause of death. Its body bore wounds and scratches, and its tail had been deliberately cut off,” he added.
Authorities have vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. The repeated discovery of dead dugongs has raised alarms among conservationists and local communities alike.
Protecting the Vulnerable Marine Mammal
The dugong plays a vital role in marine ecosystems, particularly in maintaining healthy seagrass beds. The loss of these creatures due to human activities such as fishing nets and possible illegal hunting threatens the balance of coastal habitats.
Officials urge residents and fishermen to stay vigilant and report any sightings or incidents involving dugongs. The community’s cooperation is crucial to preserving this vulnerable species.
For more news and updates on dead dugong found under coastal home, visit Filipinokami.com.
