Dagupan City mayor issues ultimatum vs fish pen owners

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — More than 500 illegal fish pen owners in this city were given an ultimatum to clear the area before the end of August, this year, to lessen pollution of the water.

Acting Mayor Belen Fernandez, also the mayor-elect of this city, conveyed this strong message to operators of fish pens deemed to be illegal in a series of meetings.

“Huwag nila akong subukan.Ako ay mabait na kaibigan, subalit masamang magalit (They should not challenge me. I am a good friend, but fierce when angered,” said Fernandez.

City Agriculture Officer Emma Molina said that in March, there were only 24 illegal fish pens particularly in Barangay Lucao, but since April more fish pens sprouted in the area.