Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Comval guv appeals for PCG help v. illegal fishing By Ben O. Tesiorna
COMPOSTELA Valley Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" Uy appealed to authorities, especially the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), to help in the campaign against illegal fishing after a report showed that dynamite fishing is still rampant off the waters of their province.
In a text message, Uy said the provincial government will intensify their drive against illegal fishers. He said he will be calling the attention of all mayors of coastal towns to intensify their campaign as well.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Southern Mindanao Regional Director Goerge Campeon said fishers from Davao City, specifically from Bunawan and Tibungco, are using destructive methods of fishing in Compostela Valley waters as it is perceived that law enforcement in those parts are not as strict.
A report obtained by Sun.Star Davao showed that some fishers using dynamite fishing have encroached into the municipal waters of the towns of Mabini and Pantukan. The fishers, according to the report, are from Tibungco and Bunawan in Davao City.
Campeon said it is only with the full cooperation of the LGUs of the towns dotting the coasts of Southern Mindanao that the use of illegal fishing methods be fully eliminated.
Uy expressed worry over the report, saying that illegal fishing like the use of dynamite would greatly affect their aquamarine resources. He added that many of their constituents are dependent on the sea.
He vowed to arrest dynamite fishers and mete punishment against them.
