Batangas town mulls state of calamity as 'sabungeros' case guts fish sales

MANILA, July 18 ------ The local government of Laurel, Batangas on Thursday said it was studying whether to declare a state of calamity due to the drop in fish sales amid reports of "missing sabungeros" bodies being dumped in Taal Lake. According to some fishermen, sales of fish caught in Taal Lake have fallen amid reports that bodies of slain cockfighting enthusiasts were dumped in the lake. If declared, funds will be released to support affected fisherfolk, according to Bienvinido Mayuga, Municipal Administrator of Laurel.

Laurel LGU on Thursday distributed relief goods to 500 fisherfolk affected by the issue. Mayuga said more relief distributions are scheduled in the coming days. "Sa mga susunod na araw po pinag-uusapan na po kasama po ang DSWD, MSWD para naman po sa agarang tulong po para naman sa mga affected ng ating imbestigasyon na nagaganap," he said.

One of their plans is to provide financial aid and livelihood programs for fisherfolk. "Meron po nawalan na sila ng gana na magtinda, kaya po ang lokal na pamahalaan ay magbibigay sa mga susunod na linggo ng livelihood programs," he said. They also reiterated that fish from their town are safe to eat. "Paglilinaw din po, ang tilapia po sa Laurel ay cultured, alaga, pinatutuka po ito ng commercial feeds. Hindi po ito yung alpas na gaya ng inaasahan ng iba," he said.

Tourism in Laurel has also reportedly taken a hit, with fewer tourists visiting the town since the news broke that the bodies were allegedly dumped in Taal Lake.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com