Fishers group asks court to stop demolition of mussel farm

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has filed a petition before a local court to stop the demolition of the mussel farm in Navotas City.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Bernadette Reyes, the demolition is said to have been affecting the livelihood of the fishermen.

Pamalakaya said at least 80 percent of the mussel farm has been demolished, which spans six kilometers in length and three kilometers in width.

The group also held a protest activity in front of the Regional Trial Court's Hall of Justice in Navotas. 

Its members said the demolition has no basis, as it is being done to pave the way for a reclamation project.

"Apektado ako sobra kasi doon kinukuha ang pang-araw-araw namin pang-gastos," said Norma Maluenda, a resident earning a living from farming mussels.

"Kung ito ay nakakaharang, dapat maglaan tayo kung saan talaga yung tahungan, at after six months na kaya nang mag-harvest sa lilipatan, saka na i-demolish. Ang problema sabi ni mayor idemolish na at walang inilalaan para sa lilipatan," said Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya president. 

GMA Integrated News tried to get a comment from the local government of Navotas on the issue, but it has yet to release a statement. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News