Protest results in spike in prices of some fish varieties 

The prices of some fish sold in markets rose on Wednesday after the two-day protest of some fishermen against the implementation of the amended Fisheries Code.

 

A report on GMA-7's "24 Oras" said that in Kamuning Market in Quezon City fish prices jumped by P20 to P40. 

 

 

"Iyong supply ng isda umunti kaya nagmahal ang isda," said fish vendor Arlene Nadil of Kamuning Market. 

 

Prices of freshwater fish remained unchanged. 

 

Fish traders in Navotas Market 1, 3, and 4 stopped their operations starting Wednesday. 

 

Only two consignacions or fish markets were open early Wednesday morning. Both were selling freshwater fish. 

 

"Mas malaki rin po ang mangyayari na patong kapag nasa palengke dahil usually dito sa amin may patong na kami, papatong pa sila sa palengke siyempre mataas din nila makukuha," said Navotas Fish Port trader Cecil Ramirez. 

 

While Navotas Market 2 remained open, there were few fish buyers. 

 

"Kakaunti din ang buyer eh. Natatakot din sila dahil sarado doon baka akala nila wala sila mabibili dito," a trader said. 

 

Meanwhile, Dalahican Fish Port in Lucena City in Quezon also joined the fish holiday. Most of the fish traders who joined are also owners of commercial fishing vessels. 

 

Fishermen from various areas are on a "fish holiday" to protest the implementation of Republic Act 10654 that amended the Philippine Fisheries Code.

 

Among the rules being contested by the fishermen is the provision of the law that bans commercial fishers from fishing and using fish nets and other destructive and active fishing gears within 15 kilometers of municipal waters.

 

Fisher groups have said that the provision virtually bans fishing in the entire Manila Bay because 15 kilometers from the shoreline of each coastal area of surrounding municipalities are overlapping. 

 

The fishermen are also protesting the higher penalties the amendments are recommending. 

 

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said amendments to the Philippine Fisheries Code are meant to protect the industry from illegal practices. — Trisha Macas/ELR, GMA News