Law enforcers seized 180 kilograms of dynamited fish at the Food Terminal Market of Negros Occidental in Brgy. 6, Bacolod City, at around 1:40 p.m. Sunday, August 11.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coast Guard and Bacolod Police Station 2 team intercepted six boxes of Golden Trevally, locally known as “Badlon” that were caught by means of dynamite fishing, Commander Jansen Benjamin, PCG -Northern Negros Occidental head, said.
The seizure was made after they received reliable intelligence information that dynamited fish from Escalante City had been transported to Bacolod City, Benjamin said.
The dynamite fishing is believed to have occurred in the Visayan Sea, he said.
FRO2 Arlan B. Mirambel, a BFAR licensed fish examiner, confirmed that the fish were caught with the use of dynamite, but further laboratory analysis will be conducted, he said.
The PCG is keeping a close watch against dynamite fishing in coordination with coastal communities, Benjamin said.
“We are intensifying our campaign against illegal fishing because we must ensure the sustainability of our fish supply for now and the future,” he said.
The 180 kilograms of fish valued at about P50,000 was abandoned by its owner on detecting the presence of the law enforcers, Benjamin said.
The owner of the abandoned fish is subject to identification for appropriate filing of administrative and criminal cases for violation of Sec. 126 of Republic Act 10654 (possessing, dealing or disposing of illegally caught or taken fish), he said.
The 180 kilograms of fish was given to the Holy Family Homes Inc. in Brgy. Cabug, Bacolod City.
Benjamin said the fish was safe to eat.*