BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – Five fishermen allegedly involved in dynamite fishing were apprehended by the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force on Monday, December 2, off Concepcion coast.
Boat captain Alden Pat Delos Reyes Del Rosario and his four crew members were onboard the fishing vessel Angel Mie 3.
Personnel of the Bantay Dagat confiscated the fishing boat, various fishing gear and two kilograms of tabagak.
All five are now under police custody. They will face charges for violating Section 92 of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, which prohibits destructive fishing methods, including the use of explosives.
Dynamite fishing remains a significant threat to marine ecosystems, causing extensive damage to coral reefs and endangering marine biodiversity. Authorities in the province have intensified efforts to combat such illegal practices through regular patrols and community cooperation.
The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the region’s marine resources, warning fishermen against destructive methods and encouraging sustainable fishing practices.
“We urge all fishermen to comply with the law and help us preserve our oceans for future generations,” the taskforce representative said./PN
