PCG, DENR order illegal fish cages dismantled in Cavite

Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ordered owners to dismantle 21 illegal structured fish cages and fish traps in Cavite on Monday.

During the joint operation, the owners cages, also known as “safras,” and fish traps, also known as “baklad,” were ordered to dismantle them themselves.

The PCG warned that a follow-up operation will be conducted to immediately dismantle fish cages if the owners fail to comply.

The Coast Guard through the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command and District NCR – Central Luzon has continued to deploy forces to assist the DENR and Cavite LGU to monitor and file cases against owners of illegal fish cages and traps.

Meanwhile, the agencies were also authorized to remove floating hazards to navigation, including illegal vessels, which may cause hazards to the marine environment.

“The joint operation of the PCG and DENR is in line with the Supreme Court ruling to 13 government agencies regarding the Writ of Mandamus in the prevention of Manila Bay Pollution and Republic Act No. 9993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009,” the PCG added. — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA News