THE Bacolod City Government will investigate the alleged shooting of a Bacolod fisherman by Bantay Dagat personnel from Iloilo near the coastal boundary of Bacolod and Guimaras on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, said they are currently gathering data for the investigation, as the incident involves personnel from another local government unit.
He said he was informed that a fisherman from Barangay 2, Bacolod City, was allegedly shot by Bantay Dagat personnel based in Iloilo City.
The fisherman was brought to a hospital and is now in stable condition, he added.
Sayson noted that if Bantay Dagat personnel were indeed involved, he will ask Mayor Greg Gasataya to communicate with Iloilo City officials to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He acknowledged that the fisherman committed a violation related to illegal fishing, but said that instead of being arrested, the fisherman was shot by the Bantay Dagat personnel.
Sayson said he will file a resolution regarding the incident Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
He also reminded fishermen to fish only within Bacolod City’s coastal boundaries to avoid any untoward incidents. (MAP)