Members of the fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas-Navotas (PAMALAKAYA-Navotas) filed a petition before the Navotas Regional Trial Court (RTC) today, June 14, seeking to stop the ongoing demolition of mussel farms (tahungan) and fish traps (baklad) in the city.

The petitioners, comprising over 400 mussel farm owners, workers, vendors, and other stakeholders reliant on the mussel industry for their livelihoods, have formally requested the Court to issue a writ of preliminary injunction accompanied by a temporary restraining order (TRO). The TRO aims to halt and prevent the Navotas LGU from further demolishing and destroying the remaining mussel farms in Navotas.

Thousands have already been affected and lost their livelihoods due to the ongoing demolition, which started on March 16, 2024. The LGU reportedly plans to destroy all mussel farms in the city, which span over 6 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide.

The petitioners also requested the Court to issue an order to restore the mussel farmers to their former condition before the demolition.

“In its demolition notice, the LGU said mussel farms lack permits. However, we contend that permit renewals to operate the structures have been consistently denied without valid reason since 2021.

Furthermore, the notice deceptively invoked the 2008 Supreme Court mandamus to clean up Manila Bay, which does not say anything about demolishing mussel farms that significantly contribute to the sea’s productivity and the country’s food security,” said Fernando Hicap, national chairperson of PAMALAKAYA.

Affected fisherfolk and other coastal residents “highly believe” that the demolition is intended to make way for the 650-hectare reclamation project in the area.