Juvenile Shark found dead in Zamboanga, head wrapped in diaper to be investigated

In an environmentally diverse country, an animal that is found dead with a condition far from a natural one is always a big deal. Which is why the death of a shark inside Philippine waters is to be investigated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

This comes after the dead juvenile shark was found in the waters of Sta. Cruz, Zamboanga on the morning of November 19 with its head wrapped in a diaper that witnesses suspects as the cause of its death.

The sighting was uploaded by diver, Harvey Yap, on social media after their boat passed by and encountered the deceased body of the shark.

In an interview with GMA News, Yap said “We were about to go home and we saw something floating among the garbage in the sea. So when we approached it, nagulat kami na shark pala siya,” and added “They have to continue swimming in order to get oxygen in their body. So once they stop swimming, wala ng oxygen na makakadaan sa system nila and this is ‘cause of course obviously by the diaper.”

In a statement uploaded on their facebook page, DENR Zamboanga Peninsula stated, “The recent discovery of a juvenile dead Reef shark with its head covered in a diaper in the waters of Zamboanga City is a stark reminder to us on the effects of garbage to marine life.”

The department is set to investigate if the shark died inside Philippine waters or high seas.

They also urged the public to support the department’s efforts on preserving and protecting marine life.