Task force to address blast fishing formed
An anti-blast fishing special operation task force (ABFSOTF) was created by the 6th Regional Maritime Office (6 RMO) to monitor the distribution of improvised explosives and the movement of components that are used in the creation of dynamite blast in the territorial waters of Western Visayas and consequently take the necessary action.
The task force will operate with the support of coastal municipalities working on the intelligence gathering aspect and local and provincial police offices and the elements of the 6th RMO on the operation side.
Supt. Cornelio R. Salinas, regional chief of the 6 RMO, said they "will bring the war on the land side" as those who are engaged in illegal fishing activities such as dynamite fishing have fast moving assets faster.
"The coastal municipalities will give us the picture of the extent of the dynamite fishing operation. With this we need the support of the community, our coastal barangays," Salinas added.
He disclosed that three weeks ago, dynamite fishing had caused the death of one fisherman while four others were wounded in Barangay Talutu-an in San Dionisio, a northern coastal town of Iloilo province.
Another case was also reported in Cadiz City in Negros Occidental several weeks ago.
Salinas said the accidents were caused by premature blasting of dynamites.
"These are indicators that there is blast fishing," he said.
Blast fishing is apparent in Batbatan and Malalison Islands in Antique and the province's coastal towns; Hintutulo Island situated between the boundary of Roxas City and Masbate; north Negros Occidental, specifically in Cadiz City going to Sagay City and in the northern towns of Iloilo.
Salinas said based on their monitoring, most of the components used in making explosives came from Masbate and Bantayan Island in Cebu City. (PNA)