Illegal fishers now in Talisay’s cross hairs

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government plans to go after fishermen who resort to dynamite fishing at Lagundi Reef in barangay Poblacion.

After learning about the rise in the occurrence of dynamite fishing at Lagundi Reef, Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, Councilor Danny Caballero, vice president of Sea Knights Alfie Fernandez, and Roland Remolino went scuba diving at the reef and what they saw jolted them: some “Takubo” (big clams) already dead and some corals destroyed.

Caballero said he and Villarante then and there decided to spend for materials for the construction of a guard house.

He said they will assign members of Fishermen Sea and Ecological Care (FISECA) to stay at the guard house to watch over the reef.

Caballero said today, they will call for a meeting with Councilor Antonio Bacaltos Jr., who is chairman of the committee on environment, and other concerned officials to discuss the problem.

Aside from it, he will also call the attention of Fernandez who allegedly found blasted fishes at the reef and start an investigation that will hopefully lead to legal action case against those responsible for dynamite fishing.

Fernandez said he allegedly saw the fisherman who exploded dynamite and identified him as a resident of barangay Tanke.

On the other hand, Mayor Johnny De los Reyes said he will support all steps that will be taken against persons responsible for fishing illegally in the reef.

He said he will find ways to provide equipment to FISECA that will be used for patrolling the municipal waters of the city.

Meanwhile, Talisay City Police Station officer-in-charge, Superintendent Resty Santos, said the police have not heard anything about dynamite fishing at the reef.

Santos said he learned about dynamite fishing in the reef only after reading The Freeman.

He said he plans to visit FISECA to know whether the group is organized so that, if it is, he can order police officers to go with them when on patrol.  (FREEMAN)