CEBU, Philippines – The House Committee on Aqua and Fisheries will investigate the reported rampant illegal fishing in the northern part of Cebu and other areas in the Visayan Sea.
The committee's chairman, 4th District Representative Benhur Salimbangon, told The FREEMAN that hearings will be conducted in areas reported to be practicing illegal fishing.
"We look into the root cause of the problem by conducting a hearing directly at the place," Salimbangon said.
Salimbangon said some mayors from municipalities facing the Visayan Sea have complained that illegal fishing has caused the supply of fish to dwindle in their respective areas. The practice is reportedly more rampant in the northern part of Cebu.
Fishermen reportedly use either dynamite or cyanide.
Salimbangon said there is a need to review the existing fishery laws, but said concerned agencies in government must be involved in addressing the problem, especially in providing alternative livelihood to fishermen.
"Kining kampanya batok sa illegal nga panagat dili gayud magmalampuson kon dili magpakabana ang atong mga kaigsoonan," Salimbangon said. (THE FREEMAN)