17-kilo dory caught in Pasig River

Fishes caught in Pasig River are not safe for human consumption, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) said Wednesday, after a man captured a 17-kilo dory in the area.

According to a report by Oscar Oida in GMA's 24 Oras, resident Michael Crudo thought his fishing rod would break after something heavy bit its hook. It was a giant dory.

"Kinakabahan po ako noon. 'Di ko po alam kung ano gagawin ko noon. First time ganoon kalaki at wala ako katulong noon so tarantang taranta ako noon," Crudo said.

It seemed to be his lucky day because he caught another one weighing 11 kilos.

"'Yun pong 17 kilos binenta ko 'yun, nabenta ko siyang P900 tapos 'yung 11 kilos inuwi ko niluto ng nanay ko," he said.

Another fisher, Robert Retolado, said that they also catch dalag, hito, tilapia, and biya in Pasig River.

The river serves as an alternative source of food for residents like Michael and Robert but the PRRC warned that eating fishes from Pasig River could pose harm to human health.

"May nahuling tilapia na 10.5 kilograms, 20.5 inches. Pumasa ito sa lima sa anim na quality standars. 'Yung isang binagsak nito is 'yung Chromium 6 which contains metals that are used for welding," said PRRC spokesperson Yra Dalao.

It also tested positive for mercury and lead content, as well as a high level of fecal coliform.

The fecal coliform content in fish should not exceed 10 most probable number (mpn) per gram but those caught in Pasig River had 2400 mpn per gram.

"So kung 'di man nila nararamdaman ngayon 'yung sintomas sa pagkain ng isda (galing sa Pasig River) later on in their life mararamdaman din po nila 'yun," Dalao said.

Even though the fishes in the river are not yet advisable for consumption, the PRRC said that their growth is a good indicator of Pasig River's revival.

"Alam naman nating lahat na biologically dead ito noong 1990's kaya kami masayang masaya kami....na nakikita nating nabubuhay talaga na dahan-dahan itong ilog natin," said PRRC Executive Director Jose Goitia. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News