‘Blasted’ fish seized in Parañaque

Ten large drums of fish caught through the use of dynamite, have been seized in an operation conducted by local agriculture officials and agents of the PNP Maritime Group at the Fisherman’s Wharf in Parañaque City.

The joint operation was led by Parañaque City Agriculture Office chief Petra Ferolino and the PNP Maritime Group detachment commander Senior SPO2 Berlyn Panzones.

After receiving reports, authorities proceeded to Barangay La Huerta and confiscated the illegally caught fish.

Appropriate charges are now being readied against the fish dealer identified as Llander Mocholo.

Earlier, personnel of the City Agriculture Office, the PNP Maritime Group, Coastal Law Enforcement Alliance-National Capital Region, Philippine Coast Guard and Bantay Dagat Task Force-Butanding deputized fish wardens in Barangays La Huerta, Don Galo and Sto. Niño to conduct surveillance.

Parañaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe said the implementation of laws, including Republic Act 8550, or the Fishery Code, and the Comprehensive City Fishery Ordinance, is the key to protecting the city’s marine resources from destruction brought about by illegal fishing.

"Our marine and aquatic resources provide the city with a source of food and livelihood, and we should do our very best to protect them from those who threaten to pollute and destroy it for their own selfish interests," Bernabe said.

He vowed to continue the crackdown on illegal fishing activities and urged Parañaque residents, fishermen and vendors in Bulungan to do their part in helping the city government implement the law.

According to fish examiner Roberto Magdaluyo, there are two ways to determine if fish had been caught using dynamite.

He said this can be observed through external manifestations like reddish eyes; blood coming from its gills and belly; and damaged scales and fins. Internal manifestations would be internal hemorrhage.