Bantay Dagat members, cops get awards; public officials warned

CEBU, Philippines – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday gave formal commendation to members of Bantay Dagat and law enforcement officers who apprehended a commercial fishing vessel engaged in illegal fishing in the southern town of Carcar.

The operation yielded 100 "banyeras" or 4,000 kilos of "bilong-bilong" fish and ended with the arrest of Alex Zamora, the owner, and James Gonzaga, the captain of the fishing vessel. 

"Ato gayud paninguha-on nga dinhi sa lalawigan sa Sugbo there will be zero tolerance for illegal fishing, that we will protect the rich coastal and marine resources of our wonderful and beautiful island," Garcia said yesterday.

Aside from the Bantay Dagat members and the Carcar Police, Garcia also recognized the efforts of 26 fishermen from Carcar.

The governor shared that her purpose of going to Carcar last Saturday was to inaugurate two newly-asphalted roads in Barangay Guadalupe, but she extended her stay and went to Barangay Tuyom after she was informed of the successful operation.

Garcia said she was shocked by the report because it was only the day before when she announced an all-out war against illegal fishing in the province.

Garcia said the interest of small fishermen must be protected and she will not hesitate to use the resources of the provincial government to do so. She said she is glad that local fisher folk in Carcar has committed to support her campaign.

She also issued a warning to government officials who try to benefit from illegal fishing.

"Your days are numbered, start counting," Garcia said, adding, "follow the law and then together we can work for this growth, progress and development of this province."

Still, Garcia thanked Zamora for his willingness to pay the fine for violating the local ordinance on illegal fishing. Zamora even reportedly expressed willingness to put up 10 floaters or "payaw" in Barangay Tuyom for the fishermen there. (FREEMAN)