Inter-Island Deepsea Fishing Association (IDSFA), which comprises commercial fishing operators in the country, said that smuggling of fisheries products, primarily galunggong, has adversely affected their livelihood as the illegally imported fisheries products compete directly with locally produced fish.
The group, which converge mainly in the National Capital Region in Navotas area, issued a statement after Senate took the issue of agricultural smuggling seriously and for submitting Committee Report 649, which identified the list of alleged smugglers and their protectors.
Paul Santos, IDSFA vice-president, said their group has long been affected by fisheries smuggling. He said they used to be over 20 members, but their numbers have dwindled to nine members at present.
“Agricultural smuggling goes way back,” he said.
Santos explained that fisheries products are being done in several ways, such as importing without the proper permits, misdeclaring species, or selling outside of the intended purpose as stated in the import permit.
“This problem has existed for two decades and has severely affected the whole fishing sector,” he said.
In recent ten years, the group said that the illegal act has grown bigger and more powerful.
“We need to be mindful that smugglers benefit if government agencies conduct apprehensions but fumbles the investigation that ultimately weakens their case,” the statement added.
IDSFA further noted that it is not just enough that enforcing agency just file an administrative case against smugglers instead of a criminal complaint.
“These flaws in law enforcement need to be avoided,” said the statement.
In addition, the group said that several policies of the Department of Agriculture also need a second look, especially those created in the last three years that tend to encourage smuggling activities.
The groups pointed out that in the Senate Committee Report, these smugglers gained footholds and influence in the highest of government agencies tasked with the mandate to prevent such illegal activities, many of whom have been identified in the said report.
The local fishing companies recognized that although more work still needs to be done, they urged to hold those identified in the report accountable.
In the last five years, the National Bureau of Investigation brought to light smuggled galunggong in Navotas City. Other apprehensions followed, most notably by the Local Government of Navotas City and other agencies of government.
For our sector, the turning point of these apprehensions pertain to the decisive action of the Navotas City government. They dutifully filed cases with the City Prosecutor’s Office, for violations of both RA10654 (Fisheries Code) and RA10845 (Anti Agricultural-Smuggling). This sent a strong signal to the smugglers about the LGU’s serious resolve in not just relentlessly apprehending violators, but also in prosecuting them. Because of these actions by the Navotas City LGU, smugglers moved the bulk of their illicit activities elsewhere.
The group further cleared Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, who was allegedly mentioned in the report. IDSFA said they have witnessed Mayor Tiangco’s and his team’s valiant effort in the fight against smuggling. “Hence, we make this statement in appreciation and support of the good Mayor’s actions. It is impossible that he is a protector of smugglers,” the statement added.
As the group commended the Senate for addressing this concern, they urged the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sustain the fight against smugglers and genuinely support local fishermen.