28 fishermen nabbed for alleged dynamite fishing, undocumented ops in Cavite

The Philippine Coast Guard arrested 28 fishermen in Cavite for alleged dynamite fishing, compressor diving and possible cyanide fishing, and undocumented entry into Cavite waters.

GMA News' Mark Salazar reported on Balitanghali that Nico Bayore Campara, 19, and Ruel Miano Bayore, 23, were nabbed off the coast of Ternate, Cavite for alleged dynamite fishing.

A confiscated fish shown by the Coast Guard to the media appeared freshly caught at first glance, but was revealed to have its flesh bloody, its intestines smashed, and its spine broken in one place---a sign it was caught through dynamite fishing.

The two denied setting off the explosive.

"Pauwi na po kami, may nakita po kaming nagpaputok, nagbaka-sakali na po kami na baka makakaulam," said Bayore.

Lieutenant Airland Lapitan, member of the Coast Guard in the National Capital Region and Central Luzon, refuted Bayore's claim.

"Mali yung sinasabi nila sir na nananalo ka lang. Kasi unang una sir kung nananalo ka lang, mag-aaway kayo niyan sir nung ano, nung naglaglag ng dinamita," he said.

Meanwhile, another four fishermen---Joseph Reyes Cureg, Lito Malsie Clores, William Oben Parena, and Lary Avila Denzo---were nabbed by members of the Coast Guard in Naic, Cavite, this time for alleged compressor diving.

Lieutenant Jomark Angue, Chief of the NCR and Central Luzon Coast Guard, said most fishermen who conduct compressor diving also use cyanide. Under this method, he said, fishermen poison corals with the harmful chemical so the fish would come out.

Compressor diving is a low-technology variant of surface-supplied diving, wherein divers use tools to be able to breathe from the surface of the water, instead of through a self-contained oxygen tank.

Twenty-two other fishermen from Navotas were also apprehended for operating in Ternate waters without the proper documents and clearance.

All 28 fishermen are scheduled to undergo inquest proceedings.  — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News