Two fishermen died after their boat was allegedly rammed by another vessel carrying individuals reportedly enforcing anti-illegal fishing operations early Friday, May 2 in Bien Unido, Bohol.
The victims were identified only by their aliases, Ag-ag and Bodon, both residents of Purok 5, Malingin, Bien Unido, Bohol.
According to Police Staff Sergeant Kenneth Michael Item, investigator at the Bien Unido Municipal Police Station, the two fishermen were fishing near the Malingin waters, close to the boundary with President Carlos P. Garcia (Pitogo), when the incident occurred. They were reportedly using a method called “liba-liba,” which is classified as illegal fishing.
Authorities said the pair was spotted by a group allegedly involved in anti-illegal fishing enforcement. The group reportedly rammed the victims’ boat.
Ag-ag was rushed to the hospital but was later declared dead. Bodon was initially reported missing and was later found dead by responding members of the Coast Guard.
Police are continuing their investigation to identify those responsible for the boat collision. They are also verifying reports that the suspects may not be official members of the municipal sea patrol or “bantay-dagat” as initially claimed.
The incident has raised questions about the enforcement of maritime laws and the handling of illegal fishing suspects in Bohol’s coastal communities.
