Over 100 may lose livelihood as Zamboanga City mulls closing market due to bats

Over 100 stall owners at a night market in Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City will have their livelihood affected once the city decides to suspend the market's operation due to the presence of bats.

A growing presence of bats has been observed at old acacia trees situated on the area where the night market operates starting usually at 6 p.m.

The local government is mulling at closing the market due to possible illnesses the bats may bring.

The Office of the City Veterinarian (OCV) said there is no assurance that the bats in the area are free from viral diseases like the Ebola virus.

"Ebola is a zoonotic disease pati tao maapektuhan, so for public health reason, pwede the City Health Office had passed a resolution the motion na with that information I suspend sa natu ang selling of food diha sa Pettit Barracks," OCV Head, Dr. Mario Arriola, said.

The OCV added that suspending the market operation will allow the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to examine the bats and determine if they are free from diseases.

A stall owner said the closure will surely affect their livelihood.

"Kung isasarado 'tong night market malaki talaga ang epekto to sa amin sa paghahanap buhay dito... pero mayroon naman siguro second option tulad ng paglalagay ng tent," stall owner, Ferdasuia Sali, said.

The City Council will have to study the recommendation to suspend the market’s operation. — GMA Regional TV