Illegal fish pens dismantled in Laguna de Bay

CARDONA, Riza, Philippinesl – A government task force led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has started dismantling illegal fish pens in Laguna de Bay.

The task force which is also composed of representatives of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army removed the fish pens along this town yesterday. 

The PCG deployed 20 vessels and 120 personnel to provide security to the task force. 

Arturo Valdez, DENR undersecretary for environment and head of the National Anti-Environmental Crime Task Force, said they have so far dismantled 200 hectares of illegal fish pens.

“Those who refuse to remove the structures may be arrested.  We have to enforce environment laws,” Valdez said.

 He said the task force would meet with the stakeholders today to determine the fastest way to dismantle the fish pens. He said they are targeting the removal of more than 13,000 hectares before President Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address in July. 

Valdez said they would also ensure that the owners of illegal fish pens would not rebuild their structures. 

He said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources would raise bangus and tilapia once the area is cleared.

 “Several corporations had taken advantage of the lake when it should be enjoyed by all Filipinos, especially those who are living along its shorelines,” Joey Medina, LLDA general manager, said.

In accordance with the Fisheries Code, only 10 percent or 9,000 hectares of Laguna de Bay should be allotted for aquaculture. Fish pen operators are occupying 13,000 hectares. – With Rhodina Villanueva