Police forces were deployed in some coastal areas in Sarangani and Davao Occidental over public health concerns following the coastal uplift and marine life deaths after the 7.8 magnitude quake in Mindanao.

Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said he already tasked the regional directors of Soccsksargen (PRO-12) and Davao Region (PRO-11) to mobilize units and intercept potentially toxic marine life before it reaches public consumer markets.

“We are coordinating with concerned government agencies in dealing with this matter with the goal of protecting the public from any potential harm,” said Nartatez.

He said the order covers establishment of tight security checkpoints and maritime monitoring points around the uplifted coastal areas in Sarangani and Davao Occidental to strictly prohibit anyone from scavenging or harvesting exposed marine life.

This, after seismologists noted a a severe co-seismic coastal uplift raised the seabed by up to two meters in Glan, Sarangani. Similar observations were noted in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

The massive shift caused the ocean water to retreat by 200 meters, leaving extensive stretches of coral reefs and seagrass beds exposed above water.

As a result, a huge amount of resident marine organisms—including reef fishes, eels, clams, and shells—have begun dying, triggering deep concern regarding severe health risks and the unbearable stench of decaying marine life.

Nartatez stressed that while communities are facing immediate hardship after the disaster, strict controls are necessary to prevent health emergencies.

“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,” said Nartatez.

He said local police units have intensified monitoring of transport routes, fish ports, and public markets while surprise inspections were also being conducted in coordination with fisheries authorities.

Authorities are also watching major supply corridors linking Sarangani, General Santos City, and nearby provinces to intercept any illegal or unsafe haul from affected waters.

“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 said.