An animal welfare advocacy group lauded former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her son, Rep. Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo, for proposing a shark fin ban.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia commended Arroyo and her son for coauthoring and filing House Bill (HB) 174 proposing to ban the sale of shark and stingray parts throughout the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, PETA said the ban would make the purchase, possession, and transport of any byproducts of these endangered species illegal.
"While sharks aren't particularly cuddly, they need our protection too," said PETA Asia Vice-President of International Operations Jason Baker.
"The former president and her son are setting an example for all by asserting that there is simply no justification for pulling sharks out of the water, cutting off their fins, and then throwing them mercilessly back into the sea," Baker said.
HB 174 would also make the accidental killing or injury of the animals illegal, PETA said.
The bill would also require that all animals caught accidentally be released immediately into the sea unharmed, the group added. According to PETA, people worldwide kill nearly 100 million sharks and billions of other sea animals each year.
In the Philippines, PETA said "Sorsogon, home to many endangered sharks, is fast becoming notorious for the mass slaughter of these animals."
PETA said overfishing by "sport" and commercial fishers seeking shark fins and cartilage has put shark populations in peril.
"Overfishing is also one of the top causes of fish depletion. Studies indicate that by 2048, the world's oceans will be virtually fish-free," PETA claimed.
"Fish flesh can contain toxic chemicals, including cadmium, mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic. These contaminants can cause health problems ranging from kidney damage and impaired mental development to cancer," PETA added.
The Philippines exports shark fins to countries where it is illegal to hunt these sea creature, PETA noted. – VVP
