By Mary Joy Cavañas
The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) nabbed ten fishermen on board two vessels engaging in dynamite fishing in the areas of Sitio Baliguian, Mangalabang in the municipality of Concepcion on April 1.
Out of ten caught, nine are residents of Batuanan in the municipality of Carles while one is from Balat-an, Mambusao in Capiz.
The dynamite fishers were taken into custody and informed of their violation and constitutional rights.
They were charged for violating Section 92 of Republic Act 8550 or The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 as amended by RA 10645.
The IPBDTF recovered the fishing boats and other accessories used for the said illegal activity. They also recovered 20 kilos of assorted fish worth Php3,600 which will be forwarded to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for scientific tests.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said the latest apprehension should serve as a warning to illegal fishers that the provincial government is relentless in its campaign to protect marine and aquatic resources.
He said the IPBDTF is conducting intense monitoring against illegal fishing activities with the help of the small fisherfolk who are giving tip and information.
Banias warns illegal fishers that the IPBDTF personnel will continue to hunt them down so they must stop their illegal activities.
