Catch of the day: suspicion

The ongoing investigation into the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, reportedly dumped in Taal Lake, has disrupted daily life in Laurel, Batangas, a lakeside town that relies heavily on fishing and tourism.

“Livelihood and tourism have taken a hit,” Mayor Lyndon Bruce said Saturday, citing full-scale recovery operations led by the Philippine Coast Guard.

Marketing of fish has slowed. Orders to Manila and Davao are down. Fewer tourists are visiting.

Before the case drew national attention, Laurel’s fish pens supplied large daily volumes to major markets.

But with speculations suggesting human remains may have been disposed of in fish pens, alarm has rippled through the supply chain.

Roughly 1,700 fish pens operate in Laurel, employing some 2,000 residents. “Almost all are affected,” Bruce said.

The local government has deployed boats and personnel to support the national search effort. 

It’s also coordinating with fish pen owners to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent further misuse of the lake.

He said the government hasn't confirmed any report of rented pens being used as dumping grounds.