Residents of Barangay Pasibe West in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan are battling a swarm of flies that they claim is linked to a poultry farm nearby.

The residents took to social media to complain about the overwhelming presence of flies in their homes, kitchens, and even bedrooms, despite keeping windows closed and air conditioning on.

“Pag nagluluto diyan, pasok mo agad. Kung kakain ka dito, kasabay mo ang langaw. Kahit na kumukulo nga, umuusok na, dini-deliver mong kanin, sinasalubong na ng mga langaw iyan. Sa pagtulog naman, ganoon din. Kahit naka-aircon ka, naka-screen ‘yon, meron din. Kahit sarado lahat ng bintana namin, meron at meron,” Noel Mendoza, a resident, said.

Locals pointed to a large poultry farm near their neighborhood, which harvested chickens recently, as the likely source of the infestation. Aside from the flies, residents also complained about the foul odor coming from the facility.

In response to public complaints, the barangay council has conducted spraying operations to control the fly population.

“Nasabihan na namin sila, na kung aayusin naman nila ‘yung pamamalakad doon. At nakikipag-cooperate naman sila,” Barangay Chairman Christopher Vallo said.

The Municipal Health Office has also inspected the poultry farm and issued a mission order for compliance on hygiene maintenance, environmental issues, and pest control.

“Nag-recommend po ako iyong loading and harvesting permit, which is dapat po bago sila mag-load, kumuha muna sila ng permit sa akin para ma-inspect ko. And then ‘yung isa po, ‘yung harvesting permit, bago po sila mag-harvest o bago po ilabas mga manok,” Jervic Uson, Sanitary Inspector of Urbiztondo, said.

The poultry farm owner is yet to release a statement.