Dozens of fish falling from the sky amid heavy rain Friday morning puzzled residents of Loreto town in Agusan del Sur as they witness the incident.
Loreto Vice Mayor Jorge Legaspi told local reporters on Friday he was surprised by the phenomenon.
"Dili ko halos katoo sa maong hitabo tungod kay halos 25 na ko katuig nanimuyo sa maong lungsod karon pa lamang nahitabo nga miulan ug isda (I can't believe this thing happened. This is the first time I saw such a thing in my 25 years stay in this town)," Legaspi said.
According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture, the fish that fell is about 3 inches in length and yellowish with tiny black spots.
BFAR has yet to determine the species of the fish. Residents have collected a total of 72 fish of same kind, which they put in an aquarium to be examined and studied by experts.
According to Legaspi, residents found the fish on the roof of their houses.
Fisheries officials have yet to determine the cause of the "fish rain" but according to the BFAR, Friday's downpour and strong winds may have something to do with the phenomenon.
A separate report on Bombo Radyo quoted Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA-Butuan Chief Engr. Lolit Binalay as saying the "fish rain" may have resulted from the formation waterspout occurring as cumulonimbus clouds develop. The process is capable of sucking in particles and objects, such as fish, from the sea or bodies of water. [See: It's raining fish! It's natural]
Binalay also said that a similar incident happened in Lake Mainit in Agusan del Norte a few years back.
Meanwhile, a radio report quoted BFAR Director Asis Perez as saying initial findings showed the fish is mud-fish.
A separate interview on Bombo Radyo Chief Insp. Wilson Corpuz of Loreto town police office said the residents were quiet surprised when the fish fell because the sea and river is far from their place.
