By Dennis Principe
Manila Bulletin
A pod of killer whales was seen gallivanting off the coast of Libertad in Antique that created a rush of excitement among divers who witnessed the rare sighting.
A post by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Western Visayas stated that there where at least six orcas spotted in the area where a calf was also seen swimming next to its mother. The rare sighting happened May 31 and was posted by the DENR’s regional agency on June 8.
“This is the first time we encountered orcas in our lifetime,” posted Mylene Arboleda, manager of Dive Gurus Boracay.
Orcas are the largest member of the Delphinidae family or the dolphins. It’s the same family where the long-finned pilot whales and short-finned pilot whales belong.
Orcas are known for their distinct black and white patterns and intelligence, thus, regarded as the smartest animal on the planet. They are the top or apex predators in the ocean.
RARE SIGHTING. A screenshot of one of the Orcas spotted by tourists and environment officers on May 31 in Libertad, Antique. (DENR-CENRO Boracay/MANILA BULLETIN)
