Fishermen send rotten fish to protest oil explorations

CEBU, Philippines – A group of fishermen yesterday delivered rotten fish to Department of Energy Regional Director Antonio Labios to protest the oil explorations in the waters of Cebu and Bohol, which they said is the cause of the deteriorating catch in recent days.

Labios reportedly received the fish, which was placed in a brown envelope.

Isaias Angco, Vice Chairman of Pamana Sugbo, said the rotten fish symbolizes how the department is “slowly killing” the fishes and fishermen after it allowed the oil explorations in Tañon Strait and in the seas of Argao and Sibonga towns.

“Sila man unta ang naa sa authority nga mu-protektar sa kinaiyahan, sila naman hinuon ang nag-daot,” Angco said.

The fishermen who joined yesterday’s rally at DOE said their catch has reportedly decreased since the oil explorations commenced.

The group will also hold a lightning rally to cap the observance of environment month this June.

“Ang amo lang kay dili lang ta nila hilabtan ang panginabuhi sa mga mangingisda,” Angco said, adding, that they hope authorities will realize the damage the oil explorations are giving the environment and the people.

Angco said the protests will continue until the government stops the explorations.

Angco said they already sent position papers to the office of the Ombudsman and the Commission on Human Rights on the issue. — AJ A. de la Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)