Blast fishing still rampant

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Despite the persistent campaign of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat against illegal fishing in the municipal waters of Carles, Iloilo, dynamite fishing activities have been found to be still rampant.

This was proven last week when the task force intercepted M/B CA Allen Mae, a fishing boat loaded with dynamites.

The Bantay Dagat reported that the crew immediately abandoned their fishing boat after they spotted the approaching operatives.

Bantay Dagat’s consistent operations yielded eight other illegal fishing boats during the period March 21 to April 1. Appropriate charges have been readied against the owners and crew of the apprehended fishing vessels.

Anti-illegal fishing czar Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said the Bantay Dagat operatives have not wavered in their campaign to stop illegal fishing activities despite being charged with fabricated allegations by some sectors out to destabilize the crackdown.

Banias said the smear campaign against Bantay Dagat will not deter it from waging an all-out war against illegal fishing activities in the province. - THE FREEMAN