Sectoral Groups Decry Commercial Fishing in Municipal Waters
Negros Oriental: Multi-sectoral groups in Negros Oriental are pushing for the return of the 15-kilometer municipal waters to the fisherfolk amid growing concern over commercial fishing being allowed within the coastal waters. Gary Rosales, president and co-founder of the environmental advocacy group Kahugpungan para sa Kinabuhi ug Kinaiyahan, Inc. (Kinaiyahan), said their concern now is the potential negative impacts on fishing communities and their livelihood if a Supreme Court ruling prevails. According to Philippines News Agency, the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed the Malabon RTC’s decision, has allowed commercial fishers inside the municipal waters. This decision was in response to