4 fishermen wounded in dynamite explosion
Four fishermen were hurt after a dynamite they were using to catch fish exploded while still on their boat off the waters of Ibutgon Island in Banate, Iloilo last Sunday.
In critical condition at the Western Visayas Medical Center is Hermogenes Balabac, 29 years old, of Talucdungan, Banate who suffered injuries in his eyes.
His companions Reynold Babac, 32, Rey Asum, 33, and Roberto De Guzman are also undergoing treatment in the said hospital for several injuries in the different parts of their body.
It was learned that Asum's fingers were cut off because of the explosion.
The fishermen said that Babac was about to throw the dynamite when their boat was knocked by a strong wave causing it to tilt. Babac failed to release the dynamite which exploded in his hand.
The provincial government has been actively campaigning against illegal fishing in the coastal towns of northern Iloilo.
There are persistent reports however of the existence of illegal fishing activities particularly in the island villages. (Erly C. Garcia)