Bantay Dagat, Santander cops arrest 15 muro-ami fishermen

Bantay Dagat members and the Santander policemen reported that they have apprehended since last Sunday at least 15 fishermen for engaging in muro-ami, an illegal method of fishing, in the seawaters off the town's coast.

Muro-ami, locally known as "cerosca", uses stones attached to ropes for breaking coral or reefs to force fish to go out from hiding.

It was learned that the Santander government has already approved an ordinance passed early this year to ban muro-ami or cerosca fishing in the municipal waters.

Last Sunday morning, the Bantay Dagat team led by Tranquilino Boreros has patrolled the seawaters off barangay Poblacion, resulting in the arrest of five fishermen for alleged use of muro-ami.

The arrested fishermen were Manuel Felosofo, Poring Manulong, Charlito Rondina, Junior Frejoles and Noli Abrigana-all residents of barangay Pasil in Santander.

Last Wednesday morning, the Bantay Dagat team together with PO1 Edgardo Pacaña of the Santander Police did another sea-borne patrol off barangay Canlumacad and arrested ten fishermen, also using muro-ami.

Those arrested were Glenn Russiana, Ronnie Yrad, Reymor Dinopol, Januario Lomotos, Joseph Yrad, Jonathan Binondo, Rosalito Yrad, Leonardo Distrito Jr., Fortunato Dinopol and Marcelino Yrad-all residents of barangay Canlumacad in the town.

The authorities have already charged those arrested for illegal fishing and confiscated their fishing equipment and caught fish as evidences. - Gregg M. Rubio