Ban vs Romblon fish hits residents, help sought

MANILA, Philippines - Residents of San Fernando town in Romblon, who are still reeling from the effects of typhoon Frank, received a second blow Friday when they were told that fishing and eating fish from the area has been banned. The ban was declared after it was confirmed that the ill-fated ship MV Princess of the Stars - which capsized off Sibuyan Island - carried ten tons of toxic pesticide endosulfan which authorities fear could have contaminated the waters. The ban is expected to adversely affect the people, most of whom are fishermen. Their mayor, Nanette Tansingco of San Fernando town on Sibuyan Island, is asking the local government for aid, a television report said Friday. “Bawal munang kumain ng isda ngayon. Pinapayuhan silang ‘wag munang pumalaot. At wag munang manghuli ng isda at lumangoy sa dagat," Tansingco said in an interview aired by GMA News 24 Oras on Friday. “Kasi yun lason na ‘yan baka makakaapekto sa katawan natin madagdagan pa ang problema namin dito," she added. Residents, most of whom rely on the sea for their livelihood, are now worried. “Papaano na ang aming kakainin. E ngayon ang mga tao naghihirap," a local resident asked. “Magtitiis na muna kami ngayon sa daing na dati na, bagoong, mga gulay," another one said. Domingo Avaristo, a fisherman, said he and fellow fishermen have decided to temporarily stop from catching fish because of fears that the fish caught in their area might have eaten human flesh of decaying bodies from “Princess." This belief was prevalent even after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources clarified that fish don’t eat human flesh. However, the agency advised the public to make sure fish is cleaned thoroughly before cooking. Mayor Tansingco has expressed sadness for her constituents, noting that the sea has been calmed appeared calm, a perfect time for fishing. “Maganda na sanang mangisda dahil kalmado na ang dagat ang kaso yun pesticide naman," she said. - GMANews.TV