Fishers in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan were forced to harvest tons of milkfish after low oxygen levels in a river caused mass fish deaths.
Authorities said the fish kill in the Pata River was first observed on Monday, June 15, 2026, prompting an emergency harvest to prevent further losses.
At least 77 fishers were affected by the situation, local officials said.
The price of milkfish also dropped, from around P200 per kilo to between P170 and P180, as supply increased quickly.
To help reduce losses, the local government bought the harvested fish and distributed them to residents.
Officials said they are monitoring water conditions to prevent similar incidents in the area.
