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CEBU CITY — Blast fishing has once again damaged the rehabilitated reefs in this city, prompting the local government to strengthen its efforts against illegal fishing.
The city government has responded by forming an inter-local government unit (LGU) task force and allocating funds for better patrol equipment.
The Cebu City Bantay Dagat program confirmed that on the morning of March 8, four fishing boats detonated homemade explosives, known locally as "binayo," in a protected marine area.
The explosions left craters on the seafloor, killed numerous fish, and set back ongoing rehabilitation efforts that began in late 2020.
Divers from Bantay Dagat and Cebu Technological University, who were conducting marine research, witnessed the illegal fishing activity.
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As the explosions occurred at 40-minute intervals, the perpetrators collected floating fish while using a compressor and hose to retrieve those that had sunk.
By the time authorities attempted to respond, the boats had already fled.
Samples of the blasted fish were recovered and turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for analysis. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed in consultation with marine biologists.
City to strengthen enforcement
Recognizing the urgent need for action, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has ordered the formation of a joint Task Force in coordination with Lapu-Lapu City and the municipality of Cordova.
The city government has also allocated funds to improve patrol capabilities, particularly by purchasing new floating assets to aid in seaborne monitoring.
The lack of patrol boats has made it difficult for enforcers to chase illegal fishers, especially since perpetrators often flee to nearby municipalities beyond Cebu City's jurisdiction.
With an inter-LGU approach, authorities aim to create a more coordinated response to these violations.
Further investigations revealed that some of the illegally caught fishes had already reached the market.
Divers who inspected the area found commercially viable Class A fish lying on their sides, a telltale sign of internal organ rupture caused by underwater explosions. Local fishermen also reported hearing the blasts around 6 a.m.
BFAR is currently verifying whether the retrieved fishes were indeed killed by blast fishing.
Meanwhile, authorities are preparing to file charges for illegal possession of explosives.
With the ongoing rehabilitation of Cebu City's marine resources at risk, the Bantay Dagat program is expected to intensify its patrols.
The city's new patrol boat, funded under the P14.6 billion annual budget, is set to bolster these efforts and prevent further destruction of marine ecosystems.
