ILOILO – A 33-year-old man died after he was accidentally electrocuted while allegedly using an improvised electric fishing device in the Tigum River in Barangay Banguit, Cabatuan town, around 12 noon on May 21.
Police said alias “Tonie”, a resident of the said barangay, was fishing with four nephews and a friend, alias “Eddie”, when the tragic accident occurred.
Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson for the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), said that based on the initial investigation, the group had just finished using an improvised electric fishing tool when Tonie began to retrieve the wire.
“Pagkatapos sang ila aktibidad, ginkakas na nila ang mga gamit. Ginbutang sang biktima ang live wire sa iya kamot kag ginsugod niya pagrolyo. Unfortunately, didto siya na-electrocute,” said Araño.
Tonie was rushed to the Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician at around 12:48 p.m.
Araño stressed that electric fishing, also known as elektroda, is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.
“We have repeatedly warned the public against the use of improvised electric fishing tools not only because it violates environmental laws, but it also poses a serious threat to the life and safety of the users,” he said.
Police further reminded residents that electrofishing is a violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (Republic Act 8550), as amended by Republic Act 10654, which strictly prohibits destructive and illegal fishing methods.
Araño also called on local government units and barangay officials to help monitor and discourage such dangerous practices, especially in remote communities./PN
