Press Release - Jinggoy pushes for institutionalization of 'Bantay Dagat' volunteers or sea wardens

SENATOR JinggoyEjercito Estrada has filed a bill seeking to institutionalize "sea wardens" or "Bantay Dagat" volunteers as force multipliers to civilian law enforcement agencies protecting municipal waters of coastal municipalities from abuse and destruction.

"While performing their duties and responsibilities, they shall be considered as agents of authority. As such, Bantay Dagat volunteers will be authorized to apprehend and arrest individuals engaged in illegal fishing, those committing violations under fishery and environmental laws, and to confiscate illegal paraphernalia. They will also receive the same protection and support as other law enforcement officers," Estrada said in Senate Bill No. 2464, the proposed Bantay Dagat Welfare and Incentives Act.

Estrada, who is the chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, noted that despite the collective efforts of various government agencies, numerous illegal activities in the country's waters go unnoticed.

"This is mainly due to the limited number of our military and coast guard vessels, restricting our government's capacity to monitor and fully enforce our laws in our maritime territories," he said.

By deputizing accredited Bantay Dagat volunteers or sea wardens who have undergone training programs in coastal and fisheries law enforcement, Estrada said they can enhance the capacities of civilian law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the country's waters against unlawful and criminal activities.

"They can also enhance our capabilities for nautical patrols against foreign incursions," he also said.

Estrada likewise proposed the institutionalization of incentives and benefits for Bantay Dagat volunteers, acknowledging the risks that the work poses to their lives.

He said individuals accredited as Bantay Dagat should be entitled to insurance and PhilHealth coverage, hazard and subsistence allowances, civil service eligibility, preferential access to loans, training opportunities, and career enrichment programs.

Free legal services should also be provided in cases of coercion, interference, and other civil and criminal cases filed by or against Bantay Dagat volunteers arising from the