Residents from Barangay Santa Monica in Eastern Samar flocked towards the shores last August 18 upon the sight of a giant Moonfish that local fishermen caught in the area.
Netizen Ranilo Ebron posted several photos on his Facebook account, stating that a certain Archie Balibalos caught the gigantic fish that’s over 65 kilos in weight and over 100 centimeters wide.
Known as ‘Opah’ in the local language, the moonfish is only seen in the deepest parts of the seas making it such a rare catch and sight, according to the Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Reports from ABS-CBN News state BFAR’s speculations that the sighting is related to the recent 6.6 magnitude quake that took place in Masbate, which was also felt in neighboring towns and provinces in the Eastern Visayas area.
BFAR furthers that the earthquake might have startled the fish that usually stays at the bottom of the sea.
