According to the press communiqué of President Aquino states that the local governments carry great responsibility to protect their fishing grounds from commercial fishers. He said this after having the letter sent by Bicol-based bishops led by the Metropolitan of Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legazpi, OP, DD two months ago calling on the Aquino administration to ban the rampant commercial fishing in municipal waters.
He told that BFAR has deployed a vessel MCS 3001 and apprehended about 11 fishing vessels and filed cases against traders involved in selling dynamited fish. He added if the BFAR still lacks resources to patrol the area, he may ask the Philippine Coast Guard to check provided there would be no conflict with the local government unit who need to enforce laws.
President further thanks good bishops for their support and said that the country has thousands of coastlines that need to be protected and there is need of support of everyone to share their information so the authority could apprehend those who violate laws. In letter it was mentioned that the existing law that prohibits commercial fishing within 15 kilometers of municipal waters is completely being ignored. The bishops are worried that if not immediately checked, the illegal practice may lead to the depletion of fish stocks and other marine resources.
