Borbon authorities arrest, but release 15 fishermen

Authorities arrested but released later a total of 15 people for illegally fishing at the seawaters off the coast of Borbon town within two hours Thursday afternoon.

Bantay Dagat members, led by Alejandro Salugaol along with SPO1 William Jumao-as, were patrolling at 4:45 p.m. when they first caught eight men fishing inside the marine sanctuary of Borbon with the use of a prohibited compressor.

Those arrested were Dionesio Patok, 33; Lico Barong, 32; Roger Namoc, 28; Reynaldo Marangga, 33; Bobby Patok, 36; Flavio Patok, 36, and two teenagers. All of them were residents of Taytay, Danao City.

Confiscated from them were the pump boat, three pieces of 30-meter hoses, four fishing spears, four flashlights, two styrofor containers, and three kilos of assorted fish. These are now in custody of the Borbon Police.

The boat owner however went to the police station, paid P4000 in fine for the violation, then retrieved the confiscated items.

Exactly two hours after, the same patrol team caught seven more men fishing in the restricted area.

At exactly two hours, the same team also conducted seaborn patrol at the said place resulting to the apprehension of another seven fishermen this time coming from Tabunok, Sogod town.

They were Pedro Tradio, 35; Henry Pangatungan, 32; Zosimo Agusto, 36; Alberto Suan, 40; Manilo Maloloy-on, 40; Rolando Agusto, 25; and Johnny Sumalinog, 22. They were from Tabunok, Sogod town.

Confiscated items from the fishermen were their pump boat, six fishing spears, six flashlights, and a styrofor container. These too were turned over to the town police as evidences.

Town policeman, PO2 Richeleo Artista, told The Freeman yesterday that the 15 arrested people have no documents for the seized items.

He said they were arrested for violating a municipal ordinance delineating a 15-kilometer area, as marine sanctuary, where fishing is prohibited.

All seven, and the seized items, however were subsequently released also. - Norvie S. Misa