Authorities seized 180 kilograms of fish caught through dynamite fishing at the Food Terminal Market in Barangay 6 that is owned by the provincial government of Negros Occidental on Sunday afternoon, August 11.
A joint operation by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coast Guard, and Bacolod Police Station 2 intercepted six boxes of Golden Trevally, or “Badlon,” which exhibited signs of being caught with explosives.
Commander Jansen Benjamin of the PCG-Northern Negros Occidental revealed that the operation was based on intelligence reports about dynamited fish being transported from Escalante City to Bacolod.
BFAR fish examiner FRO2 Arlan B. Mirambel confirmed the use of dynamite in catching the fish, although further laboratory tests will be conducted.
The confiscated fish, valued at around P50,000, was abandoned by its owner after detecting the presence of the authorities.
The confiscated fish is safe to be eaten and was donated to Holy Family Homes Inc.
Authorities are currently identifying the owner of the fish to face charges for violating Republic Act 10654, which prohibits the possession, dealing, or disposal of illegally caught fish.
