Illegal fishers caught in Bantayan

CEBU, Philippines - A fishing boat was apprehended by the police for illegal fishing within the seawaters of barangay Lipayran, Bantayan Cebu Thursday evening.

The operation was made after Barangay Captain Yolanda Bocado Lumontad of Lipayran informed authorities that there were several fishermen on board a fishing vessel.

Personnel of the Bantayan Police Station led by Chief of Police Florendo Fajardo, with PO2 Robert Rondina and PO2 Lou Susvilla, conducted a seaborne patrol.

They were able to apprehend the sea vessel locally known as “Zipper,” which is engaged in illegal fishing activity.

There were 18 crewmembers of the F/B Jaurice owned by Crispin Santillan of Barangay Kabac, Bantayan.

The apprehended crewmembers were detained at the Bantayan Police Station for filing of appropriate charges while the vessel is in the custody of the Department of Agriculture of Bantayan.

PO2 Samuel Agipo of the Bantayan Police told The FREEMAN that 50 basins or “banyera” of assorted fish were confiscated from the fishermen.

He said he does not know if the group was aware of the existing law prohibiting commercial fishermen within the municipal waters.

They will face a complaint for violating Section 90 of Republic Act No. 8550 which imposes a penalty of imprisonment from six to 12 years with no probation, and a fine of P10,000 to P100,000.

Police and local government officials all over Cebu province has been told to intensify their fight against illegal fishing.

The Cebu Provincial Government last month declared an all-out war against illegal fishing in Cebu, noting the dwindling marine and coastal resources.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia wants to focus the campaign on the northern part of Cebu island.

Also last November, four governors of the provinces surrounding the Visayan Sea, which includes Bantayan’s waters and is considered one of the richest fishing grounds in world, signed a declaration of commitment against illegal fishing.

Those who signed were Garcia, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Sr., Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. and a representative of Masbate Gov. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, Gen. Darius Tuazon.

The governors hope that before their term ends, the Visayan Sea would be included in the list of the United Nations World Heritage Sites for its marine wealth.

Weeks ago police and Bantay Dagat teams also apprehended illegal fishermen and confiscated banyeras of fish in Argao and Carcar, in southern Cebu.(FREEMAN)