Fishers' group urges DA, BFAR aid amid tawilis price drop

A fishers' group on Sunday expressed concern over the sharp drop in the retail price of tawilis, a type of sardine found in Taal Lake, to P100 per kilogram from its usual P250.

Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) cited growing public fear due to reports of suspected human remains found in the lake, affecting the fish's market price.

National chair Fernando Hicap noted that fisherfolk from towns surrounding Taal Lake are already experiencing significant losses and suffering from recent weather conditions like 'habagat.'

Hicap urged the Department of Agriculture and BFAR to assist affected fishers by buying directly from them at fair prices and encouraging public support.

Technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard have been conducting retrieval operations since July 11, recovering a total of five sacks believed to contain human bones, though confirmation is pending.