Explain fish kill in Pola, BFAR asked

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) should explain incidents of fish kill in Pola, Oriental Mindoro more than two months after the sinking of motor tanker Princess Empress caused an oil spill.

In a radio interview, Mayor Jennifer Cruz said BFAR has yet to issue an explanation on the cause of the fish kill.

“We are asking BFAR to give us an update on the incidents of fish kill in some barangays. We have been asking for an explanation for more than two months. We have yet to be furnished the results,” she said.

Yesterday, she said eels were found floating in the coastal waters of Pola.

Cruz said the ban on fishing and other activities in the waters off Pola should not be lifted amid these incidents of fish kill.

Cruz said Pola is still affected by the oil spill.

“If you dig in the sand, the oil is still there. That is why we know that the shores are still affected by the oil spill as the sunken ship is still there,” she said.

“For more than 76 days, there are no activities. That is why we are asking for alternative programs for our fisherfolk as we cannot depend all the time on the cash-for-work of the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” Cruz added.

She appealed to other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry and BFAR to fulfill their promises of providing alternative livelihood to affected fishermen.