MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Interior and Local Government on Saturday issued warnings to 20 local government units for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) after it was found out that there was use of superlight and other artificial light sources.
Section 98 of the Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654 or the Philippines Fisheries Code of 1998 prohibits use of such light sources that would attract fish during the night.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año reminded the LGUs “to exercise their mandate and responsibilities, under the Philippine Fisheries Code” as they were found out to be committing IUUF activities using satellite technology.
The LGUs that committed the most violations were Tongkil, Sulu (2,549), Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur (2,446), Milagros, Masbate(1,595), Cawayan, Masbate (1,350), San Pascual, Masbate (1,193), Languyan, Tawi-tawi (1,057), Calauag, Quezon (1,009), Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan (973), Linapacan, Palawan (959), and Carles, Iloilo (762).
Also in the top 20 are Cuyo, Palawan; Santa Cruz, Marinduque; Madridejos, Cebu; Coron, Palawan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Taytay, Palawan; Magsaysay, Palawan; Catbalogan City, Samar; Cavite City, Cavite; and, Quezon, Quezon Province.
“Despite the pandemic, we want to remind LGUs of the protection of our aquatic resources which, unfortunately, is still an issue in the country. Para sa 20 pamahalaang lokal na ito na ating pinadalhan ng warning, mahigpit ang ating paalala na pangalagaan ang ating mga karagatan,” said Año in a statement.
(We’ve sent the warnings to the 20 LGUs and that we are strictly reminding them to take good care of our oceans.)
“IUUF can cause a serious decline in fisheries resources, and can negatively impact food security and livelihoods for coastal communities and fisherfolk kaya napakahalagang tutukan ito ng mga LGU (so it’s very important for the LGUs to help them).”
The DILG used Visibile Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) technology, which is a satellite that can detect artificial light sources or superlight.
“The use of satellite technology in fisheries law enforcement is another game changer hence it imperative for the DILG to act and issue a warning to these LGUs,” said Año whose office has partnered with Oneana Philippines in monitoring, detecting, and preventing IUUF in municipal waters.