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by Jose P. Sollano
June 11, 2005

The Lapu-Lapu City police are tapping a fishermen’s group here in its fight against those involved in illegal fishing.

According to city police chief Louie Oppus, most of those involved in illegal fishing in the city especially in Olango Island and neighboring islets come from other places.

Oppus said this information was based on the number of arrests made by his men, assisted by Bantay Dagat members.

He added that fishermen in Lapu-Lapu City promised to support their campaign and unite against those coming from other places.

Oppus said with the promise of the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy to provide transportation to his men in the campaign, they can minimized if not totally solve the illegal fishing in the city.

The Reef Check Philippines reported that Lapu-Lapu City still has the most number of illegal fishers.

Reef Check Philippines project director Stewart Green said illegal fishing stems from the lack of political will from among local officials.

He also said there is a need to educate fishermen about the ill effects of illegal fishing and introduces other means of livelihood to them.