PITOGO, Bohol – The island town of President Carlos P. Garcia (Pitogo) has launched a campaign against illegal fishing in its municipal waters, with the support of Mayor Fernando Estavilla and various government agencies.
The campaign, dubbed as Task Force Octopus, involves the coordination of the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, and the Task Force Kalikupan, a local environmental group.
According to Mayor Estavilla, the campaign aims to protect the marine resources of Pitogo and its neighboring towns from illegal fishing activities, such as dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, and the use of fine mesh nets.
He said that illegal fishing is a serious problem that threatens the livelihood of the local fisherfolk and the biodiversity of the sea.
To strengthen the campaign, the town has recently inaugurated the largest and most modern Coast Guard Sub-Station in the island, which will serve as the base of operations for the Task Force Octopus.
The sub-station is equipped with floating assets, such as patrol boats and speed boats, that will regularly monitor and patrol the waters of Pitogo and nearby areas, such as Ubay, Bien Unido, Talibon and the province of Leyte.
Mayor Estavilla expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies for their support and cooperation in the campaign.
He also appealed to the public to report any illegal fishing activities they may witness or encounter in their area.
He said that anyone who will be caught violating the fisheries laws will face appropriate sanctions and penalties.