Dumaguete: Large commercial fishing vessels remain prohibited from operating within municipal waters in Negros Oriental, as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) continues to enforce restrictions, an official confirmed. Despite a Supreme Court ruling favoring commercial interests, BFAR emphasizes that the ruling only applies to one specific company.

According to Philippines News Agency, BFAR-Negros Oriental chief Florencia Mepa±a clarified that the Supreme Court decision, which arose from a case filed by Mercidar Fishing Corp, does not broadly permit commercial fishing in municipal waters. The case revolved around the "constitutionality of the exclusivity or preferential right of the small fisherfolks in the municipal waters," as challenged by Mercidar against the Department of Agriculture and BFAR in the Malabon Regional Trial Court.

The ruling by the Malabon RTC, subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court due to a missed deadline for a motion for reconsideration by the DA and BFAR, specifically applied to Mercidar. Mepa±a stressed that, until this ruling becomes final and executory, BFAR will not authorize commercial fishing activities in the municipal waters governed by local towns and cities.

In response, Oceana, an international organization dedicated to ocean conservation, has lodged a motion for intervention with the Supreme Court. Oceana advocates for the reversal of the decision, urging the protection of the constitutional rights of municipal fisherfolk and reinforcing the authority of coastal local government units in managing and safeguarding these waters.

BFAR has communicated its position to the Coast Guard in Negros Oriental, seeking their assistance in maritime patrols to prevent unauthorized commercial fishing operations. Additionally, the Negros Oriental police will receive BFAR's statement to ensure alignment and support in enforcing these regulations.