FISH Vendors in Batangas said they have begun feeling the economic impact of reports that the remains of missing sabungeros and drug suspects were allegedly dumped in Taal Lake.
According to reports, sales of tawilis and other freshwater fish from the lake have dipped significantly, as some buyers expressed fears that the fish may have fed on human remains.
Vendors at local markets said the slowdown in sales began nearly a week ago, following the testimony of a man identified only as “Totoy” who claimed that the bodies of the victims, some of whom had been missing for four years, were thrown into the lake.
“These are all cultured fish,” a vendor said in defense. “Safe na safe po ang mga isda namin.”
They added that before the controversy, their stocks would be sold out by noon. But now, unsold fish remain on display until the end of the day, a sign of customers’ growing hesitation.
The Department of Justice has ordered an investigation into the claim, while the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy are preparing to dive into the alleged dumping site in Taal Lake.
