Dynamite blast kills fisher, hurts another

CEBU - Dynamite fishing killed a fisherman and injured his companion while they were fishing in the sea waters off Sitio Sigporon, barangay Suba-Basbas. Lapu-Lapu City, yesterday morning.

Apolonio Andales, 22, single, a resident of Barangay Marigondon died on the spot after a big coral stone pinned him down while his companion, a certain Francisco Aton, a neighbor, sustained injuries on his head.

Reports said Andales was swimming nearby when a dynamite suddenly exploded. A big coral stone then hit the victim and pinned him down causing his death.

Aton allegedly tried to rescue Andales but failed when he was hit by stones on the head.

"Gisinggitan si Andales sa iyang mga kaubanan nga magbantay kay nagligid padulong niya ang dakong bato, pero wala siya kadungog," a witness said.

Homicide police personnel and members of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation assisted by the residents of barangay Suba-Basbas were able to retrieve the dead body of Andales after six hours.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Homicide investigator, SPO2 Rolito Jumao-as said that ERUF personnel encountered a big problems in getting the lifeless body of Andales because he was pinned down by the big stone.

"Gibuak pa una ang dakong bato para gayud makuha ang napisat na nga lawas ni Andales nga nadat-ugan pag-ayo sa naligid nga bato," said Jumao-as.

Initial investigation disclosed that Andales and five other companions were fishing at the sea waters off barangay Suba-Basbas.

Cayetano Espinosa, a resident of the area, told police investigators that he heard a loud explosion, which they believed to be caused by a dynamite coming from the sea.

Minutes later, residents heard that a fisherman pinned to death by a big coral stone.

Jumao-as said they are still conducting more investigation to determine if the group of Andales was using dynamite in fishing.

He said that they will invite witnesses to provide information to support the on-going investigation.

Police will also be looking into the alleged practice of dynamite fishing in barangay Suba-Basbas.

Last February, dynamite fishing also claimed the life of a fisherman who was fishing in the waters off Barangay Marigondon also in Lapu-Lapu City. – Jose P. Sollano/WAB (THE FREEMAN)