Staff reporter
Currimao, Ilocos Norte—Local authorities from the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Provincial Fisheries and the local government
unit of Currimao will intensify the information and education campaign to
protect endangered marine animals here.
This came after environment
advocates and netizens freaked out upon seeing a video posted on social media
of a helpless hammerhead shark fighting for life on the street while some
residents are watching and making fun of the creature.
Though the video posted on
January 15 did not show it, authorities learned that the shark eventually died.
“They say sharks or different
kinds of sharks are the most dangerous species of the sea... No! Humans are!
He’s bumping his head on the floor for help. He wanted to go home. He's
distressed,” commented a disgruntled netizen Anne Mendoza upon seeing the
video.
Based on initial
investigation, Arthur Valente of the Provincial Fisheries Office said they
believe the incident happened at Brgy. Victoria here, a coastal barangay.
Mr. Valente said he had
already coordinated the matter with Currimao mayor Gladys Go Que and the
Municipal Agriculture Office to conduct an information drive to the coastal
residents of Victoria.
The Movement Against
Pollution which posted the video in social networking sites said ignorance of
the law is not an excuse not to penalize the perpetuators.
Wildlife crime is a serious
offense based on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora but apparently, authorities do not always pursue them.
Under the law, it states that
upon a summary finding of administrative liability, the offender shall have a
fine equivalent to three (3) times the value of the species, or PHP300,000 to
PHP3,000,000, whichever is higher, and forfeiture of the species.
Upon conviction by a court of law, the offender
faces imprisonment of five (5) to eight (8) years and a fine equivalent to
twice the administrative fine and forfeiture of the species.
Comments
Post a Comment