Davide urged: Stop illegal fishing

CEBU, Philippines - The barangay captain of Carnaza Island in Daanbantayan, Cebu has asked the new administration at the Capitol to help in the campaign against illegal fishing in his area.

Barangay captain Jose Moreno visited acting Governor Agnes Magpale last Friday to convey his concerns against illegal fishing.

Magpale, who was elected vice governor in the last May 13 elections, has assured Moreno that they will act on his request. She said that incoming Governor Hilario Davide III is also determined to stop the illegal activities in the entire province.

Magpale said that they received information that some local officials are receiving money from illegal fishing operators.

Moreno lamented that illegal fishing is killing small fishermen in the island.

“Wala ma'y mahimo intawn, maglantaw nalang sila nga naa ra sa daplin maghimo sa illegal (They could not do anything but watch the illegal fishing operators from the shoreline),” Moreno said.

Carnaza is a 173.5 hectare (429 acre) turtle-shaped island bordered on all sides by the Visayan Sea which is a rich fishing ground in northern Cebu.

Moreno expressed hope that under the new administration, the illegal fishing activities will be minimized if not totally stopped.

He also has the assurance from Daanbantayan mayor-elect Augusto Corro to eradicate illegal fishing activities not only in Carnaza but in the entire municipality.

Corro earlier assured that his promises during the campaign will be done.

These include the eradication of illegal fishing, reopening of closed cemeteries and to return the waterworks system under the management of concerned associations in the barangays.

Corro's three promises are among the clamor of the residents and major issues brought up against defeated Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot during the campaign.

Illegal fishing activities have been rampant in Daanbantayan for the past years.-(FREEMAN)