‘Oplan Tokhang’ stops illegal fishing in San Fabian
EFFECTIVE STRATEGY
SAN FABIAN–Oplan Tokhang targeting fishermen engaged in illegal fishing in this town has been successful in finally stopping illegal fishing along its coastline.
Mayor Constante Agbayani said Tokhang helped make the town free of illegal fishing activities and reiterated his appeal to the fishermen to help sustain the campaign.
He made the call on Feb. 27 during the turnover of 20 units of 30-footer fiber glass-made motorboats and 400 units of gill nets from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 1, graced by Director Nestor Domenden and Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia.
Under the town’s Oplan Tokhang on illegal fishing, authorities also knocked on the doors of houses of suspected illegal fishers based on information gathered by intelligence operatives in the town.
Juan Juguilon, muncipal agriculturist, said they have been conducting searches from warrants issued by the court on suspected manufacturers of dynamite.
He confirmed that blast fishing and encroachment of commercial fishing vessels in municipal waters have been stopped by Oplan Tokhang.
Barangays Alacan and Nibaliw Narvarte were the two barnagays that were notorious for rampant dynamite fishing.
Fish harvests of fishermen have doubled following the stoppage of illegal fishing, he added
“For as long as I am the mayor, I will not tolerate illegal fishing,” Agbayani said.
He told the fishermen they could also use the motorboats, in addition to legitimate fishing, to help monitor and report those who continue to engage in illegal fishing activities.
He said he was not afraid to go after illegal fishermen because they destroy the beautiful coastline of San Fabian.
He made a joke that he is offering a 50 percent discount in “Castleton” to those engaged in illegal fishing. (Castleton is a funeral parlor in the town).
“All of you, fishermen, you will be our Bantay Dagat (sea patrol),” the mayor said.
Juguilon said dynamite fishing has been stopped since 2017, and reports today of blast fishing are from other towns and not within municipal waters. (Eva Visperas)
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