As dynamite fishing had once been thought to be resolved, several city and coastal barangay officials in Laoag City had been alarmed after reports of this illegal fishing activity in the city’s coastal areas had been verified to be true.

The most recent incident of dynamite fishing occurred recently in Barangay La Paz as several residents of the barangay reported that they heard several explosions coming from the sea.

The Laoag City Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) later verified the report after they received a formal complaint and they found out that the incident was true.

Apprised of the situation, Laoag City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas immediately instructed all barangay officials of the city’s coastal barangays to strictly monitor their respective areas of responsibility with regards to this illegal activity and to report any incident to the police.

Fariñas also sought the assistance of the Department of Agriculture (DA) by providing a speedboat to be used in combating this illegal fishing activity.

The mayor also asked the local finance committee to canvass prices of speedboat in order for the city government to purchase one with the fund to be sourced from the Philippine Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) fund.

The speedboat, according to Fariñas, would be very effective in preventing this illegal fishing method.

“Ket no motor boat ken bangka iti usaren, narigat a makamatan dagitay mang-ngalap nga agus-usar iti dinamita (Motorized boats would not be able to pursue effectively those who are engaged in dynamite fishing),” Fariñas said.

Laoag City Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Danilo Garcia also assured the mayor of the police’s help and cooperation in the apprehension of those who are engaged in dynamite fishing.

However Garcia also clarified that presently the city PNP is ill-equipped for the task as they only have a single motor boat that could be used, and with the number of coastal barangays in the city, it would be difficult for them to respond immediately.

As a means of going around this difficulty, Garcia asked the help of barangay officials and fishermen to report to them those that are engaged in illegal fishing.

Dominic B. dela Cruz