ANTIQUE – The provincial government urged the Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) to prioritize the campaign against dynamite fishing, particularly in the islands in the northern part of the province.
“Don’t expect the local government unit (LGU) to stop illegal activities, it should be the police,” said Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao in a press conference at the provincial capitol on Monday.
Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) chief Nicolasito Calawag said on Tuesday dynamite fishing is rampant, especially in the islands of Batbatan and Maningning in Culasi.
“There is a need to put up a police outpost, especially in Batbatan Island,” Calawag said.
He added that the rich fishing grounds enticed local and nearby residents to engage in illegal fishing even if Task Force Bantay Dagat is patrolling the coasts of Batbatan and Maningning.
They usually operate at night, so the Task Force Bantay Dagat has difficulty apprehending them.
The concern was raised by the governor before the newly assumed APPO director Col. Rogelio Abran Jr. on May 22.
He assumed office on May 15, succeeding Colonel Alexander Mariano, who was transferred to the Police Regional Office 6 headquarters in Iloilo City. (PNA)/PN
