16 boxes of blasted fish seized

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 16 boxes of assorted fish, believed to have been illegally caught through dynamite fishing, were seized by the Cebu City Bantay Dagat Commission (CCBDC) in a joint enforcement operation with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and PNP Maritime Police.

In a statement released by the Cebu City Information Office, the boxes, recovered during coordinated efforts extending from Isabela, Basilan, the other day, were immediately secured, inventoried, and turned over to the PNP Maritime Police.

No estimated value was disclosed for the assorted fish seized.

The fish were turned over for documentation, evidence processing, and investigation under existing fisheries laws.

In a written report by the CCBDC, signed by its Fishery Law Enforcement Officer, Maria Gina Desamparado, the fish samples extracted from the seized boxes showed “positive signs” of explosives yielded upon dynamite fishing.

In separate statements, both the CCBDC and the DVMF stressed that the seizure demonstrates strong inter-agency cooperation and the city’s commitment to protecting marine resources and promoting sustainable fisheries.

Last week, the DVMF, together with Bantay Dagat, BFAR, and the Maritime Police, also carried out a “market denial operation” in the city.

The inspection focused on fish and aquatic products entering the city to ensure that none were sourced through illegal methods such as dynamite fishing.

Dynamite fishing, or blast fishing, is banned because it destroys coral reefs, kills non-target species, and leaves long-term scars on marine ecosystems.

The Philippines, located at the center of the Coral Triangle, is home to some of the world’s richest marine biodiversity.

Explosives used in fishing not only waste much of the catch but also undermine food security and fisherfolk livelihoods.

Philippine law imposes heavy penalties to deter the practice, recognizing that marine protection is essential for both ecological balance and economic survival.

Authorities emphasized that the continuing collaboration among agencies is meant to safeguard marine resources and support sustainable fishing practices.

Aside from that, the city government has also intensified price monitoring in major markets.

Yesterday, the DVMF listed prevailing prices of fish and seafood at Carbon Unit 1 and Pasil Phase 1, including crab at P800 per kilo, tangigue at P450, tilapia at P220, and yellowfin at P280, among others.

The monitoring was aimed at ensuring fair trade and helping consumers track market prices. — /IHM (FREEMAN)