SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — The city government of Dagupan in Pangasinan province has started demolishing illegal fish pens and cages in three barangays that violated the local fishery code.
Seven illegal and oversized fish pens and cages in the villages of Bonuan Gueset, Pugaro-Suit and Salapingao have been dismantled with the help of the Task Force Bantay Ilog, according to Patrick Dizon, officer-in-charge of city’s agriculture office.
“These were done after owners and operators of these fish pens and cages were issued notice of violation and demolition on Nov. 11,” Dizon said.
The task force is composed of the city agriculture office, disaster risk reduction and management office, the municipal police and the Philippine Coast Guard.
“Most of the fish pens and cages were abandoned and did not contain fingerlings,” Dizon said.
Task Force Bantay Ilog chief Abel Abueme said owners and operators of the illegal or oversized fish pens and cages signed a waiver allowing them to dismantle the structures.
Others were also issued notices as the demolition will continue in the coming days.