By Keith Anthony S. Fabro
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, July 8 (PNA) — A provincial board member has called the attention of law enforcement agencies after receiving reports of “rampant” blast fishing” in the northern town of El Nido, which is known for its prime tourist tropical island sites.
Fearing the illegal method of fishing would irreparably destroy coral reefs, 1st District Board Member Roseller Pineda urged concerned law enforcement agencies in northern Palawan to monitor and apprehend fishermen, who are engaged in illegal fishing activities in the eastern coast of El Nido.
“It is imperative that law enforcement agencies, such as Bantay Dagat, PNP Maritime, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) should exert effort to protect this tourism asset for the benefit of future generations,” Pineda said in his resolution filed at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session Tuesday.
Pineda said his resolution was prompted by reports from tourists, who “have personally experienced being affected by blast shock waves while diving underwater.”
“That could be harmful to their health, or worse, endanger their lives with the rampant use of explosives by these unscrupulous fishermen,” he added.
Meanwhile, representatives from the aforesaid law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR)-Palawan, will be invited to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s inquiry on Aug. 4. (PNA)