Batanes to build anti-poaching stations on 3 islets

BASCO, Batanes, Philippines – Monitoring stations will soon be built on three islets near the country’s boundary with Taiwan to house police and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel who will prevent the “intrusion of foreign poachers,” Gov. Vicente Gato said.

In its recent meeting, the Provincial Development and Security Council decided that houses will be built on the islets of Mavudis, Maysang (Siayan), and Y’Ami where police and BFAR can station some of their personnel.

The three islets have enough water to sustain the prolonged stay of police and BFAR personnel there and have fertile soil to grow vegetables, Gato said.

For lack of housing facilities, no government workers stay on the islets as they may be exposed to the elements, he said. “There may even be attempts to harm them if they are not well provided and secured,” he added.

As added incentive, those to be stationed on the islets will receive a “loneliness pay,” Gato said.