Fisherfolk warn of fake sardine shortage

Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has warned the government about a shortage of tamban or Indian sardines that is allegedly being “fabricated” by big fishing firms and canneries. In a press statement yesterday, Pamalakaya said the supposed low supply and output of tamban was just being made up by fishing firms and operators supposedly to increase the retail prices of canned sardines and to push for their vessels’ entry into municipal waters. “The BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) should remain vigilant against this fabricated tamban shortage that will only favor big fishing firms and operators over the interests of small fishers and consumers,” Pamalakaya national chairman Fernando Hicap said.