A scuba diving instructor and father of seven was killed by dynamite fishermen in Daanbantayan, Cebu two weeks ago.

33-year-old Al Bernard died from the effects of a dynamite blast, an autopsy report showed.

Bernard was diving in his father’s birthplace – the region is a haven for diving, but also for dynamite fishing as well.

A diver  since his early teens, Bernard was a freelance diving instructor.

His father found Bernard floating offshore after he did not return home for morning breakfast.

“My son died because of illegal fishing,” said Enrico, a seaman who was originally scheduled to return to work abroad tomorrow.

An initial autopsy said his son had simply drowned, but his father contested the findings seeing as his son was an outstanding swimmer and his oxygen tank was not empty.

Police are now digging deeper into the death of Al Bernard. The town mayor said he was fighting against illegal fishing and wanted to get to the bottom of the tragedy.

Witnesses say they saw two men throw dynamite into the waters of Paypay – police say the names of the fishermen are being withheld pending formal charges.

Complaints for illegal fishing and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide will be filed against the two suspects before the Office of the Cebu Provincial Persecutor in Cebu City.

The complaint will undergo preliminary investigations.

Bernard’s father said he will seek justice for his son, who will be laid to rest in the town of Liloan. 

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