Agencies gather to strengthen fight against illegal fishing

Heads of government agencies and other groups on Monday gathered to sign an agreement and review their plan against illegal fishing, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said in a statement.

The agreement was signed during the first Command Conference of the Philippine Committee (PhilCom) that was attended by department secretaries, government agency heads, and fisheries representatives.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol who chairs the PhilCom said that government’s efforts to combat illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing (IUUF) in the past years are based on their National Plan of Action (NPOA).

“Our National Plan of Action (NPOA) to prevent, deter and eliminate IUUF is a product of a participatory process and formulated in consultation with public and private stakeholders involved in fisheries management and conservation,” Piñol said.

A joint memorandum circular by law enforcement bodies and deputy fish wardens on the implementation of the Fisheries Law Enforcement Manual of Operation (FLEMO) was signed during the conference.

The manual establishes the standard operating procedures in the enforcement of the Amended Philippine Fisheries Code and other fisheries laws, rules and regulations, the statement said.

The PhilCom’s internal rules were also signed during the event.

“We are expected to give our full commitment to harmonizing all our efforts and ensuring the success of this drive to stop and prevent IUU fishing,” Piñol said.

Piñol was joined by Senator Cynthia Villar, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office chief Adelino Sitoy, and Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Eduardo Gongona.

PhilCom member-agencies include the Office of the President, the Departments of Agriculture, Transportation and Communications, Interior and Local Government, Finance, Justice, National Defense and Foreign Affairs, concerned Economic Zone authorities and private sector representatives. — Joviland Rita/MDM, GMA News