Gov. Joet Garcia met last week members of “Bantay Dagat” (bay watchmen), members of Philippine National Police and the Maritime police and representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to curb illegal fishing activities in Bataan.

The Governor tackled steps to protect fisherfolks in the province by strictly implementing fishery laws and local ordinances passed by different municipalities.

He discussed with “Bantay Dagat” and the PNP under police director Col. Palmer Z. Tria the organizational structure, defining the roles of different sectors and the provision of modern radio communication systems and gadgets to deal with bigtime illegal fishers. Gov. Joet said the “Bantay Dagat” and the police should work hand-in-hand with other law enforcers to put a stop to illegal fishing activities in Bataan.

Proper coordination with barangay officials and LGUs was of utmost concern in the campaign against the illegal activities. In the past, the local “Bantay Dagat” found it difficult to deal with commercial fishermen from other provinces for lack of modern equipment compared to illegal fishers who are equipped with sophisticated instruments and communication system.

Many illegal fishers who were arrested were able to get off the hook after paying fine.

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