Authorities tasked to patrol waters off Tagbilaran City will undergo a refresher course as part of the city government’s bid to stamp out rampant illegal fishing in the area.

This was the statement of Councilor Dulce Glovasa, chair of the city Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) committee on agriculture, food, fisheries resources, livelihood and cooperative during the council’s regular session today.

According to Glovasa, the upcoming seminar for various security forces including the city’s maritime police was designed to clarify procedure in intercepting fishermen who are operating illegally.

Evaluations have indicated that fish wardens and the police Maritime Group in the city are unaware of protocol in arresting perpetrators of illegal fishing causing the activity to remain unimpeded.

The city legislator also admitted that maritime security forces are ill-equipped as they lack adequate vessels and facilities including storage units for items confiscated from arrested suspects.

Reports indicating that an influential individual has been protecting illegal fishing activities in Tagbilaran City have also reached Glovasa’s office.

However, she is yet to verify the veracity of the claim.

Councilor Philip Besas previously bared the same information involving the alleged protector of illegal fishing in the city before requesting Glovasa to conduct an investigation on the accusation.

Both councilors did not disclose the suspected protector’s identity. (Allen Doydora) 

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