MikeLigalig.com

BFAR warns fisherfolk against using gov’t fiberglass boat in illegal fishing

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) –- The chief of the Bureau of fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional office here warned fisherfolk, who received fiberglass boats from the government last year, against using the units in illegal fishing activities.

"This is a wake-up call for all fiberglass boat beneficiaries that the opportunity will be taken away and confiscated from them if ever they use the unit in illegal fishing activities," BFAR Davao Region Director Fatma Idris said.

Last December 22, the PNP Maritime Unit 11 apprehended diver Rexonor Lauron and hauler German Dordines for using a compressor as a fishing implement.

Idris said this is in violation of the rules and regulation of the Comprehensive Fisheries Code of Davao City or Ordinance no. 093-08. As a result, the PNP Maritime 11 also impounded a BFAR XI motorized banca.

The authorities confiscated as evidence a fishing banca worth PHP40,000.00, flashlight worth PHP500, spear gun worth PHP400, plastic cooler worth PHP700, hose worth PHP600, tank worth PHP500 and compressor worth PHP2,000.

"The two offenders were recipient of distribution last October 9, 2015," Idris said.

BFAR-11 through City Fishery Officer Jose Longno, Jr filed administrative case for violation of Sec. 97 of the Republic Act No. 10654 last December 27 at the City Prosecutors Office.

It can be recalled that Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol distributed 300 fiberglass boats to 600 fisherfolk beneficiaries last year. The beneficiaries were also recruited into BFAR's Bantay Laot Program. However, those who are found violating the fisheries code will no longer get the benefits accorded under the program.

"The 600 beneficiaries of the fiberglass boats distributed last August 17 in Davao City will get P3,000 per month during the closed season from June to August," Idris said.

The Closed Fishing Season in the Davao Gulf is being implemented from June 1 to August 31 every year to allow pelagic fishes to spawn during this time.

The fisherfolk who received fishing implements including fiberglass fishing boats from the Department of Agriculture are among the very first recruits of the government's Bantay Laot Program which seeks to curb illegal fishing using dynamite and cyanide and rid the waters of garbage.

Each fiberglass boat will be shared by two fisherfolk families so they will learn to cooperate and be held accountable for the boats.

DA Secretary Emmanuel Pińol said the Bantay Laot troops, most of who belong to the Badjao tribe, will be issued identification cards by BFAR and will receive an allowance of PHP3,000 each per month for three months.

BFAR invited the first 150 fisherfolk beneficiaries to the regional office last September and the next 150 fisherfolk last October for the photo-taking of their identification cards.

Piñol earlier said the allowance will help the fisherfolk during the close season.

"But we will stop giving the allowance once there are reports of illegal fishing and presence of garbage in the waters," he said. (PNA)
LAP/LCM/LOVELY CARILLO/LDP

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=84055.0