RAIN or shine, members of Task Force Bantay Ilog have been out in the rivers of Dagupan to dismantle illegal fish pens, owned mostly by non-Dagupan residents, that have sprouted beginning March.

As of Friday, only 14 structures remain standing, according to City Agriculturist Emma Molina, appointed head of the Task Force.

Molina said they are targeting to finish the dismantling by September 12 following the August 31 deadline given by Mayor Belen Fernandez to the illegal fish pen owners.

There are 48 fish pens that will be temporarily spared pending completion of investigation by the City Legal Office of the claim by owners that their structures were built on titled properties that have since been taken back by the river.

City Engineer Virginia Rosario earlier cited the water code of the Philippines that states that all lands that became part of rivers by reason of erosion and other natural factors become part of public domain and therefore are owned by the State.

The mayor, however, said her administration will give the owners of these fish pens due process of verification before finally effecting the demolition.

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments