A hatchery for prawn fry was confirmed to have operated without permits in the Municipality of Guimbal, Province of Iloilo.

Based on the investigation of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 6, the hatchery has no discharge permit for the water depot, no permit to operate its generators, and has no registration for its hazardous operation.

"Mayroon kaming ini-enforce na violation kasi nag-o-operate sila nang walang discharge permit and permit to operate,” said Vicente Los Bañes, EMB 6 Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division chief.

Earlier, the hatchery was accused to have caused health issues among residents in the area.

Over 400 residents complained of itchiness in the throat, eyes, and nostrils.

EMB 6 has already collected water samples from the hatchery. However, release of results will take seven to 15 days.

Should the hatchery be proven liable, it will be fined from P25,000 to P400,000 each day until the concern is addressed.

An interim cease-and-desist order may be issued by EMB 6 against the hatchery.

The management of the hatchery, however, said it went through proper disinfection procedure.