Fisherfolk hold rally to support Madrigal

CEBU, Philippines - Fisherfolk from Medellin, Talisay City and Malapascua in Daanbantayan town rallied outside the Capitol yesterday morning in support of Provincial Chief Security Officer Loy Anthony Madrigal who they described as effective in fighting illegal fishing in their respective communities.

The controversy involving Madrigal and his secretary broke after they were caught having a “sweet moment” on camera, the photo of which went viral on Facebook.

Pedro Yaun, president of the Kapulungan sa Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Antipolo, said that issue does not affect the good impression he has on Madrigal because he is effective in his work. He also assailed the move of Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez of posting the controversial photo online.

“Maayo ang serbisyo ni Madrigal. Ang importante sa amo ang iyang trabaho,” he said.

At least 50 fishermen from Barangays Antipolo, Kawit and Mahawak in Medellin who participated in the silent protest against the call of Governor Hilario Davide III for Madrigal to resign.

He added that Madrigal’s work has contributed to the improvement of the livelihood of small fishermen who are affected by commercial fishing. He said Madrigal should return to work as soon as he can.

Rosalie Orticio, a resident of Tangke, Talisay echoed Yaun’s sentiments.

 Orticio is the president of the Nagkahugpong Mananagat sa Tangke and vice president of United Small Fishermen in Talisay. Almost 100 fishermen and their families from Tangke, Talisay joined the rally.

Orticio said they have struggled with the problem of illegal fishing for a long time and it was only Madrigal hwo reached out to them and extended assistance.

“Sa among nakita, siya ra gyud ang motubag sa amo bisag unsang orasa. Moresponde siya dayon sa among yangungo bahala og kadlawon na. Ang uban daghan pa gyud og alibi,” she said.

She said Madrigal has been active in curbing illegal fishing in the province and never hesitated to ride even a small pump boat to do his job.

“Ang amo lang ensakto ang pagserbisyo. Dali ra kaayo mi pasaligon. Kontento kaayo mi sa pagserbsiyo ni Madrigal sa amo. Nauli-ulian na ang isda sa dagat,” she said.

 She said that since Madrigal started helping them, small time fishermen started catching more fish again – about three to four kilos. This month, they were able to catch up to 40 kilos a day, she said.

She also said that the fishing community in Talisay City does not mind the controversy Madrigal is presently embroiled in.

“Ang mga mananagat, bisag uneducated na sila, di na nila huna-hunaon ang kanang issue sa immorality. Ang ilaha makapaskwela sila sa ilang mga anak, naa masud sa ilang mga tiyan matag adlaw. Mao ran a ilaha. Wa man gane na sila nag-mind sa korupsyon sa mga senador.

Both Yaun and Orticio expressed willingness to coordinate with Tapayan while Madrigal is still on leave.

Madrigal himself went emotional when he faced his supporters, saying he was moved by what they did.

He spoke to the governor yesterday morning and decided to take a 20-day leave from work while investigation is ongoing. He said he respects Davide’s decision but will wait for the results of the investigation to come out.

“I need a break from all these things.  I am battered already. I have to relax. I am also giving everybody a break para pud maka-concentrate sila sa investigation,” he said.

However, he assured the fishermen that he will continue to serve and help them.

 “Balikon nako sila. Di nako sila pasagdan. They need us,” he said.

He said that the security threats against him and his family all boil down to his serious intention to stop illegal fishing in the province.

He added that he preferred not to comment on the statement of Ramonito “Red”Camello, the husband of his secretary, who blamed him of ruining their marriage.

“I am unaware of their drama in life. I expect my employee when they come to the office to do their duty and leave their problems at home. I don’t want to hear it,” he said.

He said that he will pursue the libel case against Ramirez.

Meanwhile, Retired Capt. Romeo Tapayan who heads the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force said his group will do its best to serve the fishing communities and continue what Madrigal has started.

 “Daghang miyembro ang task force. Unsa’y natabang ni Madrigal, atong paninguhaon mao gihapon ang mahatag nga tabang sa inyo,” he said.

 He also encouraged the fishing associations to help the provincial government in strengthening efforts in guarding their respective areas and fight illegal fishing. 

“Dako man gud ni atong probinsya. Dili namo madala ang tanang kadagatan sa tibuok probinsya .Kamo mismo maoy magtinabangay sa pagbantay sa kadagatan,” he said.

Tapayan said that while he appreciated the support of the fishermen, he also acknowledged the good performance of Madrigal.

“Dunay nahimo si Madrigal para sa kawsa sa mga mananagat. Actually, maayo siya nga operator. Tuyo niya ang pagtabang sa pagpanalipod sa kadagatan,” he said, adding, that the fisher folk can coordinate with him while Madrigal is on leave.  (FREEMAN)