Coconut scale insect infests 70,000 trees in Isabela City, Basilan

Coconut scale insects have infested around 70,000 coconut trees in Isabela City in Basilan province, according to the Philippine Coconut Authority.

A "24 Oras" report aired Sunday evening said the insects have also infested lanzones and banana plants in the city. Basilan has declared a state of emergency because of the infestation.

Thousands of coconut trees have also been infested in Quezon province, Laguna, and Batangas, which have also declared states of emergency.

The Philippine Coconut Authority said it lacks funds to fight the coconut scale insect. — JDS, GMA News