AGENCY SEIZES 150 KILOS OF ENDANGERED FISH IN PASIL MARKET
The Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) confiscated 150 kgs. of stingray amounting to at least P12,000 at the fish market in Barangay Pasil. City Veterinarian Dr. Alice Utlang said the endangered fish, costing around P80 per kilo, were shipped from Zamboanga. “It’s prohibited by law and our fishermen and businessmen should understand that. We are trying to protect the endangered species. At the same time, these are unfit for human consumption,” she said. Ordinance 2006 prohibits the consumption of adulterated food, or those that contain poisonous substance, said Utlang. Maria Merlyn Catipay, DVMF fisheries division officer-in-charge, had filed a blotter report against Maximo Patalinghug, the stall owner for violating the law.
At least 60 stingrays, with a total weight of 150 kilos and valued at P12,000, were confiscated yesterday dawn at the fish market in Barangay Pasil by a team from the Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF).
In an interview, City Veterinarian Dr. Alice Utlang said that the endangered fish were from Zamboanga in Mindanao and were estimated to cost P80 per kilo.
“It’s prohibited by law and our fishermen and businessmen should understand that. We are trying to protect the endangered species, at the same time, these are unfit for human consumption,” she said.
Utlang explained that City Ordinance 2006 prohibits the consumption of adulterated food, or those that contain poisonous substance that may harm a person’s health.
Maria Merlyn Catipay, DVMF fisheries division officer-in-charge, already filed a blotter report against Maximo Patalinghug, the owner of the stall, for violating the law.
His business permit will also be suspended for 10 days and an administrative fine of P1,000 will be imposed. /