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Zambales fishers lament declining livelihood after Chinese dredger ran aground


The livelihood of fishermen in a barangay in Botolan, Zambales has suffered after a Chinese dredger ran aground 200 meters from shore last week due to bad weather.

According to Emil Sumangil's report on "24 Oras," the residents of Barangay Bangan relied on catching fish for their everyday needs.

"Nu'ng dumating itong mga barko, humina na 'yung nahuhuli ng mga bangka ng mga mangigisda kasi 'yung fishing ground namin, andyan sila," Aki Korya, a fisherman, said.

"Simula nung nagkuha sila ng buhangin, mahigit na 200 bahay na ang nalaglag dito. Kada uulan, 10, kada may bagyo, maraming nasisirang bahay dito," Alex Quicho, another fisherman, added.

The MV Zhonhai 69 Alpha was between two Chinese vessels which were sent to pull the shipwrecked dredger from the shore.

Meanwhile, The Philippine Coast Guard has sent a response team for survey and inspection operations.

Reports showed that water had entered the compartment and engine room of the dredger. The boat operator, Z2K Resources Incorporated, said that it will provide additional equipment to remove the water inside.

The coast guard assured that there was no oil leak.

GMA News is still trying to get the comment of the Provincial Government of Zambales and the local government of Botolan. -Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News

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