Stricter rules for marine sanctuary

CEBU, Philippines - Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos will impose stricter rules for the town’s 130-hectare marine sanctuary to further boost the livelihood of the residents and the tourism industry.

“Daghan mohangyo nako, mokatawa nalang ko. Munas-ginhawa nako’g antos sa sanctuary, namatyan man gani kog pag-umangkon diha,” said Galeos, referring to illegal fishers that Argao’s Bantay Dagat caught.

The town’s Bantay Dagat has apprehended at least two commercial fishing boats since last year, one was carrying a thousand of big basins of “bilong-bilong” fish while the other was caught with P3-million worth of illegal lumber. Galeos said it’s one proof they are serious in their campaign against illegal fishing.

His nephew, a bantay dagat member, was shot dead by a group of illegal fishers they were trying to apprehend. After that incident, Galeos, a third-term mayor, said he had provided better communication equipment to the team for quick reporting to the police authorities in case they catch another group of illegal fishermen.

This 130-hectare sanctuary runs the stretch of 18 kilometers, from Barangay Giwanon, across nine more barangays until Casay. This sanctuary has 10 marine protected areas being cared by the 10 barangays.

“Anugun kaayo, daghan corals kinahanglan gyud i-preserve,” he said.

Galeos said it is important that they have a sound marine environment as many of his people thrive on fishing and it is also good for tourism once these MPAs become ready for divers.  (FREEMAN)