The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up security in coastal areas of quake-hit Mindanao following public health concerns over dead and potentially contaminated marine life exposed by the recent seabed uplift in Sarangani and nearby areas.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police units in South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City (Soccsksargen), and Davao Region to prevent dead, dying, or possibly toxic seafood from being harvested, transported, or sold in public markets.
The order came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed authorities to ensure public welfare following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani on June 8.
“We are coordinating with concerned government agencies to protect the public from any potential harm,” Nartatez said. He added that local units have been instructed to establish security checkpoints and maritime monitoring points in Sarangani and Davao Occidental.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported that the earthquake caused a severe co-seismic coastal uplift in Glan, Sarangani, raising parts of the seabed by as much as two meters. Similar changes were noted in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
The uplift exposed coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine organisms such as reef fish, eels, clams, and shells. Many have since died, raising concerns over contamination, disease, and foul odors.
“While we understand the immediate needs of the communities after this powerful earthquake, consuming dead, dying, or contaminated seafood poses severe health risks that we cannot afford to overlook,” Nartatez said.
Police are intensifying monitoring along transport routes, fish ports, and public markets, and conducting surprise inspections in coordination with fisheries authorities. Supply corridors connecting Sarangani, General Santos City, and nearby provinces are also being monitored to prevent unsafe seafood from entering the market.
“We appeal to all market vendors and commercial fishers to cooperate with our inspectors and prioritize public safety over short-term gain during this disaster recovery period,” Nartatez added.