DENR defends demolition of illegal structures in Manila Bay, for small scale fishermen

by Lily Gut September 9, 2021 Fishermen protesting. (Photo from GoRizal) IMUS, Cavite - After local fishermen protested, the Department of E...

by Lily Gut
September 9, 2021

Fishermen protesting. (Photo from GoRizal)

IMUS, Cavite - After local fishermen protested, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) defended the planned demolition of illegal structures in Manila Bay on Wednesday.

DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda explained in a briefing that the removal of those in the fishing structures in Cavite waters, which are feared to threaten the livelihoods of 15,000 fishermen and coastal residents, is allegedly for the benefit of small scale fishermen.



He stated that once “illegal” cages, pens, and cages were removed, fishermen would no longer have to venture further out to sea.

“The first ones who will benefit from that are small fisherfolk, those who use small boats. Would you imagine once we dismantle illegal structures within one kilometer or few hundred meters from the shoreline, they can fish easily,” Antiporda said.



The demolition, which did not take place on Tuesday as planned, was part of the department's efforts to control fishing structures along Manila Bay and its tributaries.

Fishermen, on the other hand, believe the activities are only a part of Cavite's massive reclamation plan.