Fishermen arrested for using dynamite

CEBU, Philippines - Two fishermen were arrested after they were caught using dynamite explosives within the waters of Liquiron Islet in barangay Buagsong, Cordova, Cebu.

A team led by SPO2 Charlie Balmorie of the Cordova Police and members of the local Bantay Dagat arrested the suspects after receiving information that illegal fishing activity was going on in the said marine area at around 7:00 am.

Those arrested were cousins Jessie Degamo, 40 and Edgardo Degamo, 32, both single and residents of Camolinas, Poblacion, Cordova.

Authorities caught them in the act of using the explosives. Police confiscated their boat, the fish they caught and their fishing paraphernalia.

The two are now detained at the Cordova jail while the police prepare the appropriate charges to be filed against them. Dynamite fishing has been declared illegal as it is extremely destructive and poses danger to fishermen.

Authorities all over Cebu island have strengthened the drive against all forms of illegal fishing after Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia created the Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force.

The task force is composed of local chief executives and directors of National Government agencies involved in the enforcement of laws and the protection of marine resources. For the past months, the intensified drive against illegal fishing has led to the arrests of several fishermen.

Just last week, a group of illegal fishers engaged in a shootout with a policeman and fish wardens conducting a sea patrol in the waters of Alcoy. — (FREEMAN)