Fish, turtles turn up dead in Batangas river due to chemicals

Several fish and turtles turned up dead after two persons dumped chemical wastes into a river in Tuy, Batangas that created huge foam.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras” on Friday, residents of Barangay Bayudbud fear that the smell of the waste might have a bad effect on their health.

“’Pag mahangin, medyo nakaamoy na kakaiba. Natatakot ho kasi makakaapekto sa kalusugan ng mga bata,” Lita Barrias said.

“Natatakot kami na baka mas lalo pong tumaas, dumami ang bula baka nga po maapektuhan aming kalusugan gawa noong kemikal,” Jamaica Barrias added.

Meanwhile, according to the suspect, this was the first time they poured chemical waste into the river.

Romano Cabrera said he thought the chemicals were just ingredients for soap.

“‘Di namin sinasadya talaga ang pangyayari. Sa mga residente, sana mapatawad nila ako,” Cabrera said.

However, in a document from the suspect which was shown to GMA News, it was stated that the chemical waste was hazardous.

“Pinasara na po ‘yong kanilang business pero sila ho ay nag-operate pa rin po without business permit, both from the at barangay at tsaka ng munisipyo,” Police Major Von Gualberto said.

Initial investigation also showed that this was not the first time that the company dumped chemical waste into the river.

Earlier, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it will file charges for violation of the Philippine Clean Water Act and the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act against Cabrera.

Aside from the DENR, the local government unit will also file charges against Cabrera due to lack of permits from the municipal government.

DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau is currently inspecting the concerned body of water to determine the chemicals poured into it. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News