By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY — Tenants, suppliers, and traders doing business at the Food Terminal Market of Occidental Negros (FTMON) have been warned against dealing in illegally caught fish.
FTMON management issued Memorandum Order No. 24-018, which strictly prohibits the sale, possession, or handling of illegally caught or taken fish within the market premises, located at the corner of North Capitol Road and San Juan Street in Bacolod City.
The memorandum stated that any tenant, supplier, or trader found in violation of this directive would face immediate and severe consequences, including the possible termination of lease agreements and reporting to the authorities for legal action.
The order also cited a joint operation on August 11, 2024, led by BFAR 6 FPLEG Negros, in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (CGS NNOC) and the Philippine National Police (Station 2).
The operation intercepted a significant quantity of illegally obtained fishery products at FTMON, which were confirmed to have been caught using explosives—a practice that is not only unlawful but also harmful to the marine environment.
The memo emphasized that these actions align with the Fisheries Code as amended under Section 126, which prohibits the possession, dealing, or disposing of illegally caught or taken fish.
The Fisheries Code stipulates that it is unlawful to ship, commercially transport, offer for sale, sell, import, export, or possess any fish caught or retained in violation of the Code.
The discovery of any fish caught using explosives or poisonous substances creates a presumption that the possessor or seller knew the fish was caught illegally.
Violators face administrative fines ranging from P50,000 to P200,000, or five times the value of the fish, whichever is higher, along with the confiscation of the fish.
Upon conviction, penalties include imprisonment of six months to two years, fines from P100,000 to P500,000, or eight times the value of the fish, and the suspension or revocation of licenses.
The memo, signed by Omega Ciocon, Focal Person, and Sheila Fuentes, Officer in Charge, and noted by Atty. Alberto Nellas, Provincial Legal Officer and Acting Provincial Administrator, reiterated FTMON’s commitment to integrity and sustainability. The market pledged to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure compliance with the law.
“We will actively work with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to prevent any illegally caught or taken fish from entering or being sold within our premises,” the memo said.
It added that any tenant, supplier, or trader found in violation of this directive would face severe consequences, including lease termination and legal action.
The memo concluded, “FTMON is dedicated to maintaining the integrity and sustainability of our fisheries, and we require your full cooperation in this endeavor. No illegally caught or taken fish shall be tolerated within FTMON.”