DOH warns vs double-dead fish from Batangas

Health authorities advised the public on Tuesday to be wary of efforts by unscrupulous vendors to sell double-dead fish from fish kill-affected areas in Batangas. In an interview over radio dzBB, National Epidemiology Center head Eric Tayag said "Mag-ingat tayo, baka kulayan nila ng pula o buhusan ng vanilla para bumango." Tayag stressed that fish from fish kill-affected areas is not fit for human consumption as bacteria are likely to have set in. He said those who eat such fish may suffer ailments such as loose bowel movement (LBM). "Mabaho yan, bulok yan at hindi fit for human consumption. Tutubo na ang bacteria riyan. Parang sa tao na namatay tayo nagkakaroon ng natural decay," he said. Decline in sales Meanwhile, the Philippine Association of Supermarkets Inc. (PASI) noted a decline in sales of fish since news of the fish kill broke out. PASI secretary general Federico Ples cited reports reaching him that fewer shoppers are willing to buy fish so far this week, radio dzBB reported. Problem to last for about a month Also on Tuesday, an official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the fish kill problem in Taal Lake in Batangas province may last for about a month. In an interview over dzBB radio, BFAR Region IV-A officer-in-charge Director Esmeralda Manalang said "It will take siguro one month for as long as mag-cooperate ang weather. Ang number one factor is the unfavorable weather condition aggravated by (the) deteriorating water quality." Manalang said the fish kill has so far affected 752 metric tons of fish, including tilapia and bangus (milkfish), worth over P57 million. The affected areas include Talisay, Agoncillo, Laurel, and San Nicolas in Batangas, she said. Manalang said the BFAR is not discounting the possibility of another fish kill if the weather or lake water conditions do not improve soon. - VVP, GMA News