Fish kill hits Cavite river

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna.. – At least two tons of tilapia and bangus were found floating along the banks of Maalimango River in Rosario, Cavite, an official said yesterday.

Rosario Mayor Jose Nonong Ricafrente said they were still waiting for the results of fish and water sampling tests by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

He said they were verifying reports that chemicals from factories near the river caused the fish kill. There are at least 300 factories and establishments near Maalimango River.

Ricafrente said he would order the closure of any establishment found to be dumping chemical waste into the river.

Workers buried the dead fish hauled from the river yesterday in a vacant lot.