Homemade dynamite seized in Bantayan

At least 100 homemade dynamites suspected to be used for illegal fishing were confiscated from a barangay Bantayan Island during an operation last April 24.

Atty. Ernie Monsanto, senior agent of the National Bureau of Investigation, said the operation was conducted after environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa sought the help of the NBI in stopping the persistent dynamite fishing in Bantayan.

Oposa heads the Visayas Sea Squadron and is active with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Environmental Action Team.

Twelve different warrants issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Generosa Labra were used to search areas in Barangay Lipayran on April 24, Bantayan during which the NBI recovered at least 100 homemade dynamites and three sacks of ammonium nitrate.

Monsanto said a certain Samuel Hamili is now under the custody of the barangay captain of Lipayran. He is filing charges for violating Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code and Republic Act 1866.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Oposa said dynamite fishing in Bantayan has existed since a long time ago, but they are not losing hope that the practice would be eradicated completely.

“One blast is one blast too many,” Oposa said.

Oposa acknowledged the efforts of the NBI on the agency’s “fast action and support to protect the environment.” — AJ A. de la Torre/JMO