Some Batangas fishermen sail despite Taal threat

Some fishermen in Batangas sailed on Friday to check their fishing grounds at the lake despite the threat of the Taal Volcano, which was recently placed under Alert Level 3.

According to Alan Gatus’ report on “Balitanghali,” some residents of Laurel said they had to feed their tilapia and bangus on the lake to prevent the fishes from dying.

The residents also reasoned that the local government has not prohibited them from voyaging out to the sea.

In a separate report, fish dealer Ronald Cacao said he wanted to harvest bangus and tilapia from his fish pen before a more serious eruption occurs.

“Baka hindi makabyahe, hindi makapag harvest pagka lumakas ang ano ng bulkan. Oo, habang tahimik pa, sasamantalahin namin. Sayang din, pagka-ano ng bulkan, sayang din. Malaki din naman ang puhunan sa isa,” he said.

(I might not be able to harvest once the volcano erupts. So while it’s quiet, we’re going to take advantage of it.)

The Taal Volcano was placed under Alert Level 3 after its main crater generated a short-lived one kilometer-high phreatomagmatic plume at 3:16 p.m. with no accompanying earthquake.

A total of 1,282 individuals or 317 families have evacuated from Batangas due to the threat of the volcano.

Some residents, however, chose to stay put and guard their homes.  They said they are prepared to leave immediately once the volcano shows signs of a stronger eruption.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News