10 Fishermen Caught Dynamite Fishing in Iloilo

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force arrested 10 fishermen for using explosives to fish off Sitio Baliguian, Mangalabang, Concepcion, Iloilo, on April 1, 2025.

Authorities intercepted two fishing vessels carrying nine crew members from Batuanan, Carles, Iloilo, and one from Balat-an, Mambusao, Capiz.

The suspects were charged with violating Section 92 of Republic Act 8550, as amended by RA 10654, which prohibits the use of explosives, poisonous substances and other destructive fishing methods.

Authorities seized 20 kilos of assorted fish worth PHP3,600, which will be turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for examination.

The fishing boats and equipment remain in the custody of the task force.

Dynamite fishing, which involves using homemade explosives to kill large numbers of fish, is a major cause of coral reef destruction and marine habitat loss.

The task force has intensified patrols in provincial waters to curb illegal fishing and protect the Visayan Sea’s marine ecosystem.