Box of fish allegedly caught through dynamite fishing seized

CEBU, Philippines — A box of amberjack fish allegedly caught through dynamite fishing was confiscated during a Market Denial Operation led by the Cebu City’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) the other day.

The confiscation was documented in an official Confiscation Certificate issued by the DVMF, which noted the commodity’s origin from Zamboanga City.

The operation was jointly conducted with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Cebu City Bantay Dagat Commission (CCBDC), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The certificate, signed by deputized inspectors and noted by DVMF officials, formalized the seizure.

The DVMF and BFAR reiterated their warning to fisherfolk and vendors that strict enforcement of laws will continue, with violators facing confiscation and sanctions.

Earlier this month, a joint operation led by DVMF, BFAR, and CCBDC targeted fish caught through cyanide, fine-mesh nets, and other banned methods, as well as seafood deemed unsafe due to contamination or poor handling.

Last August, enforcement teams had also intercepted multiple boxes of fish suspected of being sourced through dynamite fishing, barring them from sale in local markets.

The city government is urging the public to buy only from legitimate vendors and to report suspicious products.

Regular price monitoring in major markets such as Carbon and Pasil has also been conducted to ensure transparency and protect consumers.

Beyond fisheries enforcement, the DVMF has expanded its food safety initiatives.

 On September 22, 2026, the City Meat Inspection Service (CMIS) held an information campaign in Barangay Tabunan on hygienic meat handling and African Swine Fever (ASF) prevention.

The seminar gathered meat vendors, hog raisers, and barangay officials to strengthen biosecurity practices and safeguard the local swine industry.

The government, through its partner agencies, continues to emphasize that the fish and meat sold in city markets must be legal, safe, and responsibly sourced. - Caecent No-ot Magsumbol