Illegally-caught fish intercepted

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Bantay Dagat Task Force scored anew yesterday when it confiscated close to 400 kilos of illegally-caught assorted fish.

Bantay Dagat project coordinator Ranulfo Sebusa said the fish products came from Cataingan town in Masbate and were transported to Cebu City through M/V Lapulapu Ferry 8.

Sebusa said no one claimed ownership of the marine products when intercepted by the task force upon arrival in the city yesterday morning.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Cebu City confirmed that some of the fish products are caught with the use of explosives.

The city has an existing ordinance that says accompanying marine products will be confiscated in favor of the government once BFAR confirms that some fish products in the same group are found to have been caught illegally.

Sebusa said documents turned over to him by officials of the vessel showed that the BFAR in Masbate has certified the cargo to be legally-caught.

“Ako lang hangyoon ang mga negosyante og isda nga mohunong na sila pagpayuhot og mga isda dinhi sa dakbayan sa Sugbo nga kuha sa illegal nga paagi aron dili sila maalkanse,” Sebusa said.

The confiscated fish products were donated to various charitable institutions in Cebu City. (FREEMAN)