OF THE 2,000 Bacolod City fishermen suspected to be affected by the arrival of the red tide toxin, 1,800 accounts have been validated so far.
City Agriculture's Office (CAO) continues to validate fishermen's accounts, and is asking village chiefs to assist in the verification process and help prepare financial assistance to those affected.
Acting Mayor Greg Gasataya said he was sure there will be more affected fisherfholk as the validation process continues. Affected areas so far include the waters off Barangays Puntataytay, Singcang-Airport, and Banago, as well as a portion of the Reclamation Area.
Gasataya said he has instructed all concerned offices to fast-track the release of the financial assistance and relief goods to fisherfolk who were confirmed to have been affected.
Other fisherfolk will receive assistance as soon as the CAO validates their claim.
Until the red tide advisory is lifted, the public is advised to avoid eating shellfish of all kinds. Fish, squid, shrimp, and crab are still safe to eat as long as these are fresh and cleaned thoroughly.
City Administrator Goldwyn Nifras said that CAO Acting Head Romeo Garcia, in a letter dated January 4, asked village chiefs in affected barangays to assist in the validation process and preparation of financial assistance.
According to Nifras, however, Noli Villarosa, Captain of Barangay Tangub and ex-officio member of the City Council, refused to cooperate with the CAO.
Villarosa allegedly refused to receive Garcia's letter and appeared disinterested in helping his constituents until suspended Mayor Monico Puentevella returns to office next month, Nifras said.