Manila, March 27 -- A deceased dugong (sea cow) was discovered washed ashore near the seawall in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, prompting an investigation by local environmental authorities, officials confirmed Thursday.

Residents reported the marine mammal's carcass on Wednesday morning to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the local agriculture office.

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Lianga town was immediately notified and a team conducted an on-site examination before the dugong was buried later that afternoon.

Initial findings indicated that the male dugong sustained multiple body scratches, likely caused by entanglement in fishing nets, according to Jed Lagura o...