Politics · Philippines Bureau
Five fishermen arrested for illegal blast fishing off Occidental Mindoro
A joint law enforcement operation in Looc, Occidental Mindoro has resulted in the arrest of five fishermen accused of using explosives to catch fish. The interception occurred Sunday evening approximately 800 meters offshore.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY — Five fishermen were taken into custody during a coordinated enforcement action targeting illegal fishing practices in municipal waters off Looc, Occidental Mindoro on Sunday evening. Personnel from the Looc Municipal Police Station and local Bantay Dagat (barangay fish wardens) intercepted the group at approximately 5:30 p.m., roughly 800 meters from the coastline. Blast fishing, also known as dynamite fishing, is a destructive and illegal practice that uses explosives to kill fish indiscriminately, devastating marine ecosystems and fish populations. The technique has been prohibited under Philippine fishing regulations due to its severe environmental impact and threat to sustainable fisheries. The arrested individuals are facing charges related to violations of fisheries laws. The operation underscores ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat illegal fishing methods in Philippine waters and protect marine resources vital to coastal communities.
Photo: Aerial view of the southern end of Lubang Island, home to Looc municipality, Occidental Mindoro, October 2023. Bahnfrend via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).