BLAST FISHING. Some of the fish caught through blast fishing that were seized from three residents in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur on Tuesday (Sept. 29, 2021). The “yellowband fusilier”, locally known as “dalagang bukid”, were confirmed to be illegally caught by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (Photo courtesy of Lagonoy MPS)
LEGAZPI CITY – Close to PHP50,000 worth of illegally caught fish was seized while three male haulers were nabbed Tuesday morning in a police checkpoint in Lagonoy town, Camarines Sur.
In a report, Lt. Jaime Enciso, deputy town police chief, said police personnel manning the checkpoint flagged down at around 12:30 a.m. an Isuzu Flexi truck transporting 10 "banyera" (fish tubs) containing “yellowband fusilier”, locally known as “dalagang bukid,” which were suspected to have been caught through blast fishing.
The incident was reported to the local Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) office, which then sent a technician to the area.
After inspection was conducted, it was confirmed that the fish were indeed caught by way of blast fishing, which is a destructive practice using explosives.
The haulers who were arrested were identified as Willard, 45, and Herbert, 35, both surnamed Delloro, and Joseph Delovino Jr., 37, all residents of Barangay Santa Maria of the same town.
The truck and cargo were taken to the town police station for documentation and disposition.
The arrested suspects are facing charges for violating Republic Act 10654, otherwise known as "An Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing". (PNA)
