Due to complaints of Bacolod-based fishermen having been apprehended despite fishing within the territorial waters of the city, Councilor Bart Orola, Sr., SP Committee on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources chair, resolved to urge the City Agriculture Office to update and maintain the proper placement of anchors or drifting buoys delineating the territorial jurisdiction and water boundaries of Bacolod.
Orola’s resolution on the matter was approved during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Orola said, the sea markers or buoys delineate the territorial jurisdiction of the city which shall be the basis of the city’s powers, duties and responsibilities including the following but not limited to revenue generation from the use of its fisheries and aquatic resources, enforcement of fisheries and environmental laws, general management and development as well as allocation of the city’s fisheries and aquatic resources.
Orola also said, there were various complaints from local fishermen that were allegedly apprehended even if they were within the municipal waters of the city because the territorial waters of Bacolod was not properly marked by buoys/markers.
Orola wanted the city agriculture office to maintain the markers in order to properly define the territorial jurisdiction and water boundaries of Bacolod to protect from from poachers, and to help local fisher folks from illegal apprehensions.*NDB