Radaza declares war against illegal fishing, sale of corals

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza yesterday declared an all-out war against illegal fishing and selling of corals before newly-promoted police non-commissioned officers of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.

Also highlighted in yesterday's program was the turnover of the newly constructed Police Station 3 building, motorcycles, firearms, rubber boats and other equipment to the police.

"We must put a stop to illegal fishing. We must put a stop to the sale of endangered species," Radaza said, adding that tourism is the city's prime economic driver and it is one of the biggest sources of employment and livelihood.

She said the city is under attack by greedy elements that molest the city's environment with impunity. The assault against mother earth must end.

She added the city is the mecca of tourism in Cebu. It is where the best resorts in Asia are located.

Lapu-Lapu City, Radaza said, is endowed with a long stretch of pristine white beach.

The mayor said the city shares the responsibility of hosting the Danajon Bank, the only double barrier reef in the Philippines and is one of the only three such sites in the Indo-Pacific.

Citing a study made by marine experts, Radaza said Danajon Bank is the source of marine biodiversity of Asia and the Pacific.

This means that all marine life come from this area and it is our most precious tourism asset.

" If we allow the unabated molestation of our mother earth, if we turn our back against the assault of our natural resources, we will end up killing the proverbial goose that lay the golden egg," Radaza said.

The city mayor said her administration is ready to go to war with the police to thwart whatever that threatens the marine resources.

She said her administration will not spare anyone who has an evil desire to devastate the natural beauty that God has given the city.

Mayor Radaza further said that the turnover of police equipment will help them win the war against those whose only purpose is to profit from the destruction of mother earth.

"This is the city's commitment in support of the all-out war that I have just declared. I trust that with these police assets and with your unwavering support we will come out victorious," Radaza said.

"Mother earth will be saved and the natural beauty that surrounds our city will forever be enjoyed by generations after us," she said.

For his part, Lapu-Lapu City Police Chief, Senior Superintendent Anthony Obenza acknowledged the support given by the city government to the police.

Obenza said the police fully support the mayor in her campaign against illegal fishing and the destruction of environment.

Also yesterday, seized video karera machines were destroyed.   (FREEMAN NEWS)