Pangasinan: Fifty-seven fisherfolk from the towns of Bolinao, Agno, and Bani in Pangasinan received cash incentives and commendations on Friday for turning over floating packs of illegal drugs they found at sea. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) awarded each fisher with a PHP10,000-worth grocery pack and a certificate of commendation, while the Pangasinan provincial government gave an additional PHP5,000 each.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bolinao's local government distributed PHP5,000 each to its fishers, while Bani's and Agno's LGUs also gave their respective fishers cash with undisclosed amounts. Of the 57 fisherfolk, 40 are residents of Bolinao, 16 are from Agno, and one is from Bani.
PDEA Director General, Undersecretary Isagani Nerez, during the distribution of the incentive here Friday, commended the fisherfolk whom he called modern heroes who were not tempted by money. "Aside from your hard work and sacrifices, we also honor your loyalty and bravery when you discovered the packs of illegal drugs floating on the sea of Pangasinan. You were not tempted by money," he said in Filipino.
He further praised their decision to disregard danger, choosing to act in the interest of community safety instead of personal gain. "You disregarded the danger. Instead, you chose to do what is proper and right. You chose what is beneficial for others instead of yourself. You chose to help ensure order and security of the community."
Governor Ramon Guico III thanked and urged coastal residents to stay vigilant, pledging more anti-drug education and rehabilitation programs. "You are the front-liners when there are incidents such as this. If this will recur, please report it immediately to the agencies that could help us curtail or stop these problems," he said.
One of the fishers, Ricky Palapar, shared his plan to use the incentive to support his children's needs. A total of 1,530 kg of illegal drugs valued at PHP9.48 billion were recovered and surrendered to the authorities by fisherfolk in the Ilocos Region from June 5 to 16. The illegal drugs were incinerated at Barangay Cutcut, Capas, Tarlac on June 25.
