RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE AND POSSESSION OF SODIUM CYANIDE

WHEREAS, Palawan waters is considered one of the richest fishing grounds in the country;

WHEREAS, indiscriminate exploitation employing destructive fishing methods, such as dynamite fishing, use of noxious substances and highly effective gears, threaten the abundant marine resources in the province;

WHEREAS, the PNP Provincial Director reporting before the Council said that there is rampant illegal fishing with use of sodium cyanide in Palawan waters;

WHEREAS, efforts to curve the use of sodium cyanide remain futile in the absence of a law penalizing the mere possession of this noxious substance;

WHEREAS, apprehended fishermen who are caught in possession of sodium cyanide end up being released when proof of its actual use in connection with illegal fishing cannot be presented;

WHEREAS, cognizant of the foregoing facts the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan passed an ordinance regulating the use and possession of sodium cyanide in the province;

WHEREFORE, upon motion of Mr. Samuel Umandap unanimously seconded by the Council members present be it;

RESOLVED, as hereby it is RESOLVED, that the Council adopt the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ordinance regulating the use and possession of sodium cyanide;

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the law enforcement agencies in the province be ordered to immediately implement the said ordinance;

RESOLVED FINALLY, that copies of this resolution be furnished the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the law enforcement agencies and other concerned parties.

Approved and adopted this 9th day of May 1997 in Quezon City.

CERTIFIED TRUE AND CORRECT	APPROVED
ARTHUR R.VENTURA Executive Director PCSDS	GOV.SALVADOR P. SOCRATES CHAIRMAN