Fisherfolk slam fish cage demolition in Cavite

A fishers group on Thursday decried the order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to dismantle fishing and aquaculture structures in the waters off Cavite province, saying these will lead to the loss of livelihood of thousands of coastal residents in the province.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said the order, seen in billboards posted in the towns of Kawit and Noveleta and cities of Cavite and Bacoor, was unjust, considering it would affect around 15,000 fisherfolk and coastal residents.

In the order, residents were given notice that the Manila Bay Interagency Task Force will demolish fish pens and fish cages without proper permits beginning Sept. 7.

Pamalakaya alleged that the dismantling order was brought by bamboo poles washed ashore following the monsoon rains.

“These are not pollutants that can cause damage to the marine ecosystem, unlike plastic and other solid waste,” said Fernando Hicap, the group’s national chair, in a statement. —JHESSET O. ENANO