Dynamite blast kills fisherman, injures 2 others
A fisherman was killed while two others were wounded after a dynamite exploded Monday while they were fishing at Manigo-nigo waters in Sitio Cambalatong, Brgy. Bangkal, Carles, Iloilo.
The victim was identified as Jessie Bandojo, whose face and body was badly shattered due to the explosion’s impact.
Injured were Delfin Obligar and his 23-year old son, Ruel.
Delfin suffered minor injuries from broken bottles on his leg and chin while his son sustained serious injuries and is now treated at Malbog District Hospital.
According to Delfin, he was thrown after an explosion at the middle portion of the boat, which is owned by Bandojo.
In his recount, Delfin likened the explosion to a noise like that of a ”kamara” (a kind of firecracker).
Due to impact of the blast, Delfin and his son were tossed out of the boat and remained unconscious until crew members from haul boats rescued them.
Bandojo’s body, on the other hand, was later recovered submerged in the fishing grounds.
Meanwhile, Delfin claimed that it is very seldom that Bandojo used dynamites when going fishing.
He claimed that they were trying to catch some “gurayan” when the fatality decided to use dynamites.
He allegedly lit the explosive placed on a bottle of an energy drink.
But when its wick did not seem to light, Bandojo allegedly bit it and then the explosion came.
While Delfin claimed that Bandojo is an occasional dynamite user, he said that he and his son never resort to dynamite fishing.
It was gathered that the incident was not reported to the police authorities.
But PO3 Joey Enojas claimed that they heard rumors about the alleged explosion.
While admitting that illegal fishing exists, Enojas told GMA TV-6 that they have reduced the incident of dynamite fishing following their operations.
As this developed, police are conducting investigation and mulls of filing charges against Obligar for illegal fishing.
