Laurel mulls calamity declaration due to declining fish sales, tourism

The local government of Laurel, Batangas is considering declaring a state of calamity due to a significant drop in fish sales amid reports of 'missing sabungeros' bodies being dumped in Taal Lake.

Fishermen report declining sales as people avoid buying fish from the lake, fearing contamination or association with disturbing news.

Bienvinido Mayuga, Municipal Administrator of Laurel, stated that funds would be released to support affected fisherfolk if a state of calamity is declared and confirmed that authorities found human bones during their search on July 17.

On Thursday, July 13, PAMALAKAYA reported a plunge in the price of sardinella tawilis due to recent reports of suspected human remains in the lake.

The local government distributed relief goods to 500 fisherfolk and plans additional distributions in the coming days as they continue to monitor the economic impact.

Laurel's municipal administrator also mentioned providing financial aid and livelihood programs for fisherfolk in the near future.

Tourism in Laurel has also suffered with fewer visitors since the news of bodies being allegedly dumped in Taal Lake emerged.