Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) turned over yesterday (May 17) a check worth P1.250 million for the procurement of Bantay Dagat patrol boat for the province of Iloilo.

BFAR regional director Drusila Bayate personally handed the check to Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. who acknowledged the agency’s support to his administration’s anti-illegal fishing campaign.

Bayate said the financial assistance was committed by BFAR Director Asis Perez several months back when the latter visited the province.

This is in line with the agency’s thrust towards enhancement of law enforcement capabilities relative to the anti-illegal fishing drive, said Bayate.

As proposed, the patrol boat will have 50 ft. hull complete with equipment and accessories, such as, very high frequency (VHF) radio, global positioning system (GPS) map, search light, and life jackets.

Bayate said a similar financial assistance will be given to Cebu, Masbate and Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, Defensor expressed thanks to the “special concern accorded by BFAR to the campaign of the provincial government against illegal fishing”.

“This will go a long way in ensuring that our campaign against illegal fishing, especially dynamite fishing, will be successful,” Defensor said, adding “all indications show that we are making a headway … many towns have expressed support to our campaign... we would like to reiterate that there’s no let up in our anti-illegal fishing campaign and we will continue to pursue this campaign very seriously.”

To note, Defensor has declared an all-out war against illegal fishing activities since he assumed office in July 2010. (ECGarcia/ Capitol News)

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