The reason: the town’s council recently approved an ordinance banning, except for ecological studies, the catching of spiders which, it said, are vital to the ecosystem.
Besides, Mati councilors frowned upon "spider fights" which have become a popular form of gambling, mostly among youngsters.
According to the ordinance, spiders play an important role in the ecosystem as they prey on eggs of insect pests like the borers, leafhoppers, moths, mosquitoes and defoliating caterpillars and the larvae of steam borers.
Violators face fines of P200 and P300 for the first and second offenses, respectively. Third offenders face a P1,000 fine or one-month imprisonment, or both depending on the court’s discretion.
Parents of violators below 17 years old will be held liable.