• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City is requesting a joint investigation into the reported shooting of a fisherman at sea on August 3.
The SP passed a resolution yesterday directing the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries; Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Good Governance; and Committee on Police, Security and Jail, of the Sanggunian to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation into the reported shooting of a fisherman and to recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authored by Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, the resolution said that on August 3, news reports and initial information revealed that a fisherman of Purok Kagaykay, Barangay 2, Bacolod City, was allegedly shot and wounded while fishing at sea, within the jurisdiction of Bacolod City. The victim reportedly sustained gunshot wounds to the leg and side of his body, and his fishing boat was found to have multiple bullet holes.
Initial accounts suggest that the alleged perpetrators are members of Bantay Dagat from another province, it said.
The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of local fishermen, and the coordination, or lack thereof, among law enforcement and maritime agencies in adjacent provinces and cities, the resolution said.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod recognizes its mandate to secure the welfare, safety, and rights of its constituents, particularly the marginalized sectors, such as the local fisherfolk, it said.
There is a compelling need to ascertain the facts of the incident, determine accountability, and recommend legislative or policy measures to safeguard the lives and livelihood of Bacolodnons engaging in fishing and other coastal activities, the resolution added.
The SP directed the Committees on Agriculture and Fisheries; Laws, Ordinances and Good Governance; and Police, Security and Jail to conduct a joint investigation, in coordination with the executive department, and local governments involved in the incident, in aid of legislation, into the reported shooting of a fisherman at sea on Aug. 3.
The committees are also directed to invite representatives of concerned agencies, including but not limited to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Provincial Governments of Guimaras and Iloilo, for the purpose of providing information and insights relevant to the incident and assist in formulating responsive policy measures.*
