NINETEEN Japanese koi fish were found dead in a fish pond in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

In a press release from the Mati City Information Office, the dead kois in the Mati Pylon Pond were discovered on October 3, 2021, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

According to the report, the incident was first reported by City Civil Security Unit (CCSU) Personnel Relief Guard Nor-in Hussin to Pylon caretaker and in-charge Jessie Maloloy-on, who later on reported it to CCSU operation in-charge Adam Aguilon.

A water pump filter was transported to supply ample oxygen levels to the pond to prevent further deaths of kois.

According to a report from CCSU head Pepe Peñamante, prior to the fishkill, the City Engineering Office reported on September 23 that the pump filter is no longer functioning.

CCSU personnel City General Services Office Diego Baya already suspected that several kois might have died due to the non-functioning pump, and that he immediately talked to one of the personnel from the City General Services Office (GSO).

However, Baya said the GSO staff only responded “Sige lang kay paadtoan [lang] nako [og] tao kay sayang kon sige ta palit [og] bago (Don’t worry, I will send my personnel because it would be costly if we would buy another one).”

The water pump arrived around 8 a.m. on Sunday, however, a number of kois already reportedly died. The water pump became fully functional again in the evening, with the help of the Bureau of Fire, which provided the water to the pond.

As of writing, a total of 82 koi fishes are left in the Pylon Pond.

Among the 19 dead kois is the largest koi in the pond, which was named after famous Filipino actress Angel Locsin.

The death of the kois had expressed concerns among Matinians who are enjoying the view of the pond.

According to aquariumstoredepot.com, the price of a koi costs around $50 to $150, depending on the size, color, shape, and variety. Some show-quality varieties would cost more than $10,000.