TACLOBAN CITY-BFAR 8 Fisheries Resource Protection Group (FRPG) apprehended a private vehicle containing 305 kilograms of assorted fish caught from blast fishing during its Mobile Checkpoint operation in Cabalawan, Tacloban City on April 27, 2020.

Upon the fisheries examination conducted by the FRPG 8, it has been found out that the internal organs of the fish loaded in the vehicle were crushed and mixed with particles, vertebral columns broken and stained with blood, and air bladders ruptured. All of which are manifestations of fish caught through dynamite fishing.

Alleged offenders have violated Section 92 (Fishing through Explosives, Noxious or Poisonous Substance, or Electricity) of the Philippine Fisheries Code, which can lead to imprisonment from five (5) to ten (10) years. Meanwhile, their fish catch was confiscated and donated to SOS Children’s Village Tacloban for proper disposition and relief assistance to more than 150 individuals.

The team is currently consolidating the necessary documents and evidence for case filing. Further, BFAR 8 continues to ensure the public that food safety is utmost uphold with the issuance of Food Pass stickers to legitimate fish/fishery products delivery vehicles, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic threat.