Residents of Barangay Sampatulog in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental have complained about the swarm of flies that have plagued their community.

The infestation has reportedly affected the health of residents as some children needed to the brought to the hospital due to stomachache.

“Mga bata nagdaot na kalibanga ang uban labad akong ulo aning langaw basin moabot ang panahon nga madisgrasya akong anak dili lang akong anak tanan gyud kay dili na maayo,” a resident, Picos Dompor, said.

Residents said the flies may have come from the poultry farms that operate in the barangay.

The barangay chairman said six poultry farms are operating in the barangay while four others are from the neighboring areas.

Barangay Chairman Joel Abriol said these poultry farms are being checked every week and they also meet with the management every month.

However, what concerns them is a poultry farm located in Purok 7.

“Naa dinhi nakabutang nga sa report sa sanitary ug sa barangay health nag-langaw gyud iyang poultry… sige na gakahitabo kada harvest mag-langaw,” Abriol said.

Based on the ordinance, a poultry farm that violates the provisions of the ordinance may be fined P10,000 and may have its business permit suspended or cancelled.

“Pasalig sa mga poultry sauna diri nga ipasulod sila kay limpyo ilang poultry. Gi agi ug public hearing so ni-pirma mga tao…Og dili gyud mo, pasensya na gyud mo kay suspended gyud mo… paingon gyud ta sa closure… giingnan nako sila mag-amping namo kay ang mga tao dili nato mapugngan, daghan na namuyo dinhi,” Abriol said.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao tried to reach out to the poultry farm for comment but to no avail.

Residents hope the resolution passed by the barangay to suspend the operation of the poultry farm be implemented to address their problem.