Tons of “alien” bangus seized
They were “aliens” and worse, already in decaying condition.
About 10,000 kilograms or 10 tons of alien bangus were seized at the Magsaysay Fish Market by a team from the Dagupan City government and police, led by city agriculture officers.
The fish have been identified to have originated from Masinloc, Zambales, according to Emma Molina, city agriculturist.
People around the vicinity of the market initially smelled stench in the air soon after a truck driver was unloading the fish to a consignacion, a big-time fish trader.
The truck driver was arrested during the transaction but later released with no charges filed.
Molina, in an interview with The PUNCH, said the fish seized from the driver manifested decaying signs, including bloated stomach, red eyes, pale color, and the foul smell was the main indicator.
The City Agriculture Office has sent samples to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for further laboratory examinations.
The authorities also sought an auxiliary invoice of the fish to determine the point of origin, as mandated under Republic Act 8550 and a complementary city ordinance.
Last year, Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. ordered stricter monitoring of the entry of “alien” bangus as these were affecting the trading and reputation of the city’s high-quality Bonuan bangus.
Molina said they have been closely monitoring bangus from Zambales because of reported series of fish kill incidents and this case appears to prove that. #
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