Masbate fishers nabbed in Carles dynamite fishing bust

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Two fishermen from Masbate City were arrested after authorities allegedly caught them engaging in dynamite fishing in the municipal waters of Carles, Iloilo, on May 10.

The suspects, identified as Jelord Bacolod and Regie Espinosa, were apprehended during an operation conducted by the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force as part of intensified efforts to curb illegal fishing activities in the Visayan Sea.

Authorities intercepted the pair aboard an unnamed municipal fishing boat allegedly used in blast fishing operations.

Confiscated during the operation were the fishing boat and paraphernalia, with an estimated value of PHP 100,000.

Authorities also recovered one tub of Lethrinus harak, locally known as “kilawan,” valued at around PHP 15,000.

The arrested individuals are under the custody of the Carles Municipal Police Station after being informed of their rights under the Miranda doctrine and the Anti-Torture Law.

Dynamite fishing, also known as blast fishing, is prohibited under Republic Act No. 10654, which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

The law bans the use of explosives in fishing because of the severe damage they cause to coral reefs, marine ecosystems, and fish populations.

The Iloilo provincial government said enforcement operations against illegal fishing will continue as part of efforts to protect marine resources and strengthen coastal conservation in northern Iloilo.