LIMAY, Bataan — Big groups of fishermen employed by illegal fishing operators from Navotas and Malabon, Metro Manila continued to encroach and fish illegally along the rich coastal waters of Bataan, a top PNP official disclosed Thursday.

This was revealed by Chief Inspector Ricardo Santiago, Jr., chief of police of this coastal but industrial town, who said that based on their apprehensions mostly of those being arrested and caught fishing illegally off the Bataan waters came from Navotas, Malabon and neighboring coastal towns in Pampanga and Bulacan.

Major Santiago blamed the lack of law enforcement in addressing the illegal fishing problem that continues to destroy the coastal reefs and fishing grounds of Bataan, particularly in this town. “Kapag nahuli namin sila ay agad silang nakakalabas at nakakapagbayad ng penalty, then babalik na naman sila sa illegal na panghuhuli ng isda dito sa ating karagatan,” lamented Santiago.

Mayor Ver Roque, since his assumption as town mayor last July, had pressed the police to further intensify their campaign against illegal fishing, noting that some of his constituents livelihood depends on fishing. Roque has extended all-out support to the police in his bid to minimize if not totally eradicate illegal fishing in his town to benefit his constituents.

But despite the almost daily apprehension of illegal fishers and all-out campaign being launched by the police, a number of them are still resorting to illegal fishing, said Sr. Supt. Arnold D. Gunnacao, Bataan Police Director, saying countless have been charged in courts.

Recently, Gov. Enrique “Tet” Garcia purchased a new helicopter to run after illegal fishing and illegal logging. However, despite the apprehension of many illegal fishers and illegal loggers, and still these unscrupulous fishermen still resort to such illegal activities. “Suko na ako sa problemang ito, pero may solusyon na akong naiisisip at idi discuss ko personally kay President Aquino,” said Gov. Garcia.