The Municipality of Oslob Tourism Office has clarified that the whale sharks, locally known as “butanding,” have not disappeared despite claims circulating online on Thursday morning, May 22, 2026.
The clarification came after a video posted online alleged that whale sharks were no longer seen in the waters of Oslob, Cebu, causing concern among residents, tourists, and netizens.
According to the tourism office, the whale sharks were only observed in a neighboring barangay due to the seasonal abundance of planktons, which are part of their natural food source. Officials explained that the increased presence of planktons in nearby waters naturally attracted the whale sharks to temporarily move there to feed.
The tourism office assured the public that whale shark interaction activities and tourism operations in Oslob continue as normal, adding that the whale sharks remain within the surrounding waters.
Authorities also reminded the public to avoid spreading unverified information online and instead rely on official announcements and credible sources regarding marine wildlife and tourism updates.
Whale sharks are migratory marine species known to move between nearby areas depending on food availability and ocean conditions, making such movement part of their normal natural behavior.
Source: Municipality of Oslob - Tourism Office/Facebook
Photo from Lumad Cebuano
Comments