Fishkill hits Pampanga

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Philippines  – Residents should not consume fish and other aquatic products affected by the fishkill, officials said over the weekend.

Gov. Lilia Pineda said on Friday she met with mayors and other local officials to discuss the fishkill in Candaba, Masantol, Macabebe, Apalit, San Luis and San Simon.

Officials of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Re- sources (BFAR) attended the meeting.

Agriculture officers of the affected municipalities reported the fishkill started in the Pampanga River several days ago.

Gonzalo Coloma of BFAR said the fishkill was caused by the low level of dissolved oxygen in the waters in affected municipalities.

Coloma said recent water tests conducted by the agency confirmed the low level of dissolved oxygen.

Pineda ordered a separate examination of the affected fish and the water to determine other factors such as pesticide contamination, bacterial infestation and chemical poisoning.