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 A diver gets lucky to get so close to a whale shark (Rhincodontypus) or butanding (local name) in the waters of Sarangani Bay in General Santos City. On Saturday, March 9, 2019, some 14 individuals were sighted surface feeding by Task Force Butanding Gensan, bringing to 16 the total number of whale sharks documented in the area. The first two were sighted by DENR-Region 12 in 2014. DENR-Region 12 Executive Director NiloTamoria said the recent documentation highlights the global significance of the Philippines in the conservation of this gentle giant. The documentation was forwarded to Large Marine Vertebrates (LAMAVE) Research Institute for individual identification. (Photo courtesy of BretchGarcinez.) ###