DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, August 25 (PIA) -- The provincial government has strengthened its campaign against illegal fishing and sea-related crimes with the assistance of the Philippine National Police Maritime Unit (PNP-MU).

The campaign aims to protect the environment as well as provide sustainable income for marginal fishers in the province.

Police Capt. Karl Bonilla of PNP-MU met with Gov. Pryde Henry Teves to report the rampant issue on illegal fishing.

The PNP-MU is tasked to secure the seas of the province with priorities on illegal fishing, smuggling and piracy.

Bonilla said the rampant issue in the province is illegal fishing.

To strengthen its anti-illegal campaign, the governor has ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (PDRRMD) to prepare the speedboat at its disposal 24 hours for the PNP-MU’s use whenever it conducts anti-illegal fishing activities. 

In a related development, the governor has recently turned over for use another speedboat to the Municipality of Manjuyod to help its campaign against illegal fishing within its municipal waters.

Teves has earlier ordered the stoppage of illegal fishing activities of commercial fishers in municipal waters to protect the environment and livelihood of marginal fishermen.

Another related order was the stoppage of abusive proliferation of sand and gravel quarries and small-scale mining in Negros Oriental. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Capitol PIO Oliver Lemence )