Defensor orders reactivation of Bantay Dagat operations
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. ordered the reactivation of the provincial Bantay Dagat team after he received reports of continued illegal fishing activities in northern Iloilo.
Most of these illegal fishing activities were monitored in the towns of Carles, Concepcion and Batad.
The Bantay Dagat was created by former Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. but its operations were later suspended.
Defensor said he has already called the attention of the Maritime Command on the illegal fishing activities.
The governor also warned policemen and other authorities posing as Bantay Dagat operatives to mulct fishermen to stop their activities.
“I do not tolerate such kind of activities. Fishermen should not believe them, they should immediately report to us these unscrupulous persons,” he said.
Defensor also instructed Senior Supt. Renato Gumban, officer-in-charge of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, to conduct an all-out operation against illegal fishers.
For his part, Gumban said the police is closely monitoring the coastal municipalities for unauthorized fishing activities.
In the first quarter of the year, the IPPO has arrested 158 illegal fishers and impounded 60 fishing boats from 29 operations.
But only one case has been filed.
Last year, 993 fishermen were arrested and 371 fishing boats were impounded from 207 operations. Forty-five cases were filed in court.
Those arrested mostly used fishing gears prohibited under the Fisheries Code.
PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT
Defensor said he also wants the Bantay Dagat personnel accounted for.
“Those who are inactive should be removed and replaced by the aggressive ones,” he said.
The governor said he would also consider purchasing new pump boats for the Bantay Dagat, if needed.
He had earlier ordered an inventory of the Bantay Dagat pump boats.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said the province has Bantay Dagat pumpboats in Concepcion and Estancia towns, but these badly need repair so they can be used to patrol the seas.
