BLAST FISHING. The coastal village of Maputi in Zumarraga, Samar near the fishing ground where a dynamite blast wounded its village chief and two others early Wednesday (Jan. 26, 2022). Police said on Thursday the explosion took place when the village chief was trying to throw ignited gelatin sticks when it went off. (Photo from Barangay Maputi, Zumarraga FB page)
TACLOBAN CITY – Three fishermen, including a village chief, were injured when they went dynamite fishing in the seawaters of Zumarraga, Samar early Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported.
The incident occurred when Elino Sobrino, 58, the village chief of Maputi, was trying to throw the ignited gelatin sticks when it accidentally exploded, wounding two other fishermen who were standing on the boat, police said on Thursday.
Other blast victims were Fernan Hinundayan, 24, and a 16-year-old boy, who are both Maputi village residents in Zumarraga town.
Victims were rushed to Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City.
Sobrino was referred to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City due to more severe injuries.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has repeatedly warned fishermen not to engage in dynamite fishing since its dangerous and destructive to nature.
“This is a classic case that crime against nature does pay. Let this be a warning to illegal fishers, particularly blast fishing, that primarily it is hazardous to the life and limbs but most importantly, (causing) habitat loss for fish and deprives the new generation to prosper,” BFAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director Juan Albaladejo said in a press statement.
Albaladejo maintained that fishers caught in blast fishing under Sec. 92 of the Fisheries Code are liable for immediate imprisonment.
If found guilty, those involved will be fined PHP30,000 for municipal fishers and PHP300,000 to PHP3,000,000 for commercial fishers. Once convicted by the court, they will face jail terms ranging from five to 10 years. (PNA)
