The Philippine Tourism Authority has intensified efforts to neutralize illegal fishing at Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) as it filed criminal charges against fishermen arrested by local authorities for blast fishing activities last month.

     Illegal fishing raps have been slapped against two groups of fishermen, caught red-handedly using dynamites and explosives, for violating R.A. 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

     PTA general manager Nixon Kua said the police round up of the suspects clearly send a strong warning to fisherfolks involved in illegal undertakings that they are facing the full force of the law.

     “Let it be known to these illegal fishermen that PTA, PNP-Alaminos City, Philippine Coast Guard and PNP-Maritime Command mean business,” GM Kua said. “They either desist from their unlawful activities or face immediate arrest.”

     The combined elements of local police, maritime authorities, and coast guard apprehended the suspects in two separate occasions last May.

     The inter-agency police force and PTA have stepped up their campaign to save precious underwater resources, specifically giant clams and coral reef, from being destroyed by dynamite and other forms of illegal fishing.

     A number of giant and broodstock clams have either died or have sustained from numerous blast fishing incidents around Hundred Islands since January, according to the U. P. Marine Science Institute.

     GM Kua praised the law enforcers for their vigilance in patrolling the waters and shores of HINP since it would help guarantee the unhampered preservation as well as propagation of HINP’s marine bio-diversity.

     “We commend these law enforcers and their respective heads for their commitment to abate blast fishing at HINP,” Kua said. “Their continuous presence and increased visibility translate into more giant clams being propagated and the coral reef being rehabilitated.”

     GM Kua also appealed to local leaders and communities for their complete support and cooperation against all forms of illegal fishing in order to sustain the present campaign of the police force and PTA.

     Currently, he said the PTA is studying various of options and proposals for alternative livelihood for the coastal population of Hundred Islands.