The unabated illegal fishing activities in the coastal waters of Ilocos Sur have caused the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to raise alarm calling for reinforcement of counter offensive to stop the practice. Calling the illegal fishers “armed and dangerous” the BFAR Provincial Fishery Regulatory Office said there is a need to augment the equipment of law enforcers, particularly Bantay Dagat (Sea Patrol) group, to neutralize the unlawful activities in the province’s fishing waters. BFAR Provincial Fishery Regulatory Officer Benny Saraoas said illegal fishermen have been threatening with their firearms or explosives any law enforcer who would come close to their fishing areas.

Drive against illegal fishing sought. (2015, December 1). The Manila Times, p. A7.