Agencies push for dynamite-free fish in markets

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government will be hosting today a roundtable discussion to declare the fish markets in Cebu as dynamite-free.

The move is in response to the petition signed by nearly 20,000 people on Change.org pushing for dynamite-free fish in the country’s biggest markets.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force and other stakeholders will join the discussion to flesh out mechanisms and processes in making the declaration.

Vince Cinches, Philippine Oceans Campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, in a statement said the city government is set to draft a resolution that will ensure public markets, particularly Pasil Market, will not accept illegally caught fish by developing the capacity of its market administrators and workers in detecting and inspecting blast-caught fish.

Cinches said that BFAR has committed to provide technical assistance for the trainings.

Also joining today’s event is lead petitioner Lorna Coyoca whose son, professional diver Al Bernard “Bangyaw” Coyoca, was killed in a dynamite blast in Daanbantayan, Cebu a month ago.

Cinches said the elder Coyoca started her petition on Change.org last week as part of the family’s quest for justice.

The petition challenges the biggest public and private fish markets in the country to declare their produce dynamite-free.

“If we don’t address this problem in the markets, we’re allowing this violence against the sea to persist. For love of my son, we cannot allow it to go on,” she said.

Bangyaw’s story through Lorna’s signature campaign quickly made the rounds on Facebook groups of scuba divers and environmental organizations in its first two days.

As of yesterday morning, it has since gathered at least 18,572 supporters mostly from the Philippines, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Australia and France.

Cinches added that the Coyoca family is grateful for the government’s response and they look forward to seeing how the following institutions will substantiate their commitments.

“I’m sure Bangyaw now is planting a big smile on his face, seeing what this drive has brought us. It is only with your support that we are able to achieve what we have now,” Lorna wrote in her personal note.

A press conference will follow after the discussion.  (FREEMAN)