Ms. Phan Thi Yen (residing in Dien Loc village) said that her family's 7-month maize field was completely destroyed by monkeys. "They took out all the trees and ate all the bulbs. When the family discovered it, only the tree trunks remained. With so much capital and effort in taking care of her for several months now, the river has poured into the tank, Ms. Yen was upset.
Not only Ms. Yen, many melon growing households in the commune are also in a "half-crying, half-laughing" situation when a large area is bitten by monkeys. In recent days, households living near the hillside have been forced to be on duty day and night to guard the melon fields.
Ms. Huynh Thi Sy shared: "The monkeys are dragging down with the flock, picking melons to eat and leave on the left. I finished chasing them, and they came back a few days later. We really hope that the government will take measures to repel the monkeys to another place, so that we can feel secure in producing."
According to local people, the monkey herd has nearly 100 cocks, often pulling them into residential areas to destroy the crop. Crops such as beans, cassava, and corn were severely damaged by them. Although people have applied many measures to repel the fire such as hitting drums, burning fire, and spreading incense, it is still ineffective.
Mr. Tran Hai, a resident in the commune, lamented: "Every time I hear the news about monkeys coming to the village, I don't dare to go to work, I have to stay at home to look after the garden."
Responding to reporters, Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc - Vice Chairman of Binh Tan Phu Commune People's Committee - said that the government has sent a report to the District Department of Agriculture and Environment as well as Binh Son Forest Protection Department, requesting that measures be taken to support people and at the same time manage and relocate the monkeys out of residential areas.
"We have also propagated that people should not use violent measures, but should only apply manual methods to repel and protect the safety of the monkeys," Mr. Phuc added.
