Blast fishing

Blast fishing remains rampant in the Lingayen Gulf. We even heard that even within the Hundred Islands National Park, this illegal and destructive fishing method is taking place and that explosions could be heard by tourists visiting the islands.

As it is, the Lingayen Gulf is already an environmentally-critical area. It has been found to be heavily silted and over-fished and no less than former President Fidel Ramos declared it through an executive order. In fact, the Lingayen Gulf Coastal Area Management Commission, which was primarily tasked to protect the gulf, was even created. LGCAMC, of course, was abolished when ousted President Joseph Estrada assumed office.

We do not understand why dynamite fishing could still happen despite the presence of the Maritime Police, Coast Guard and the Navy along our provincial coastline. Volunteer groups, such as Bantay Dagat, have also been organized and mobilized to help stop blast fishing.

In the past, whenever these water-borne troops were asked why they have not caught any dynamite fisher, their excuse was that these illegal fishers were heavily armed at that they had more superior boats than what our troops used.

I do hope they do not use the same reasons now. If they do, then we cannot continue to hope that this blatant destruction of the sea will ever stop. We will just have to watch helplessly the death of the Lingayen Gulf sooner than expected.

But if we believe we can still do something about it, and I believe we can, then we should now start reassessing our anti-blast fishing campaign. Here, we should not forget to involve our people, especially in coastal communities, to give them a share of responsibility in protecting the sea.

The apprehension by the police in the past few days of “dynamited” fish in different checkpoints in the province would not do much to stop blast fishing if there is no similar effort by the authorities in the open seas.

We hope we start those concerned should start moving now, before it’s too late.

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Aside from the Kris-Joey separation, what caught the attention of coffee shop habitués in Dagupan City last week was the launching of the Freedom for Peace and Justice or FPJ in San Carlos City. From the initials alone, it is obvious that the group is the prime mover in launching the presidential bid of action star Fernando Poe Jr.

Among the prominent personalities in the movement were businessman Manny Roy, lawyer Pol Tulagan, former Bugallon Mayor Johnny Jose and other former municipal officials.

Last Sunday, leading newspapers reported that Da King himself is launching his presidential candidacy in the first week of October in San Carlos City, hometown of Da King. This, of course, remains to be seen.

From what we have gathered, people close to Da King, were saying the Da King does not know of the scheduled launching, nor he really intends to run.

Showbiz? Maybe. Or maybe there’s a new action movie that Da King will shoot in San Carlos and those who launched FPJ will be there as extra.

ENDNOTES: The Samahan ng mga Kawani ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Dagupan successfully held its induction ceremonies at the Pinkie’s Restaurant last Saturday. Congratulations to Engr. Ogie Ventenilla, president… Last Sunday was Family Day for city government employees. Everybody enjoyed that activity, which was attended by Mayor Benjie Lim and Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez.

QUOTE: “Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.” -- James Bryant Conant