Police claim: Misunderstanding in loss of seized fish

CEBU, Philippines -  There was misunderstanding on the issue of the loss of three boxes of seized fish at the Danao City Police Station.

This was what Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said yesterday in a meeting with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia at the Capitol.

Comendador explained that if the seized fish was turned over to the police, receipt should have been issued otherwise nobody can be held accountable for its loss.

“We recognized the fact nga wala lang magwardyahe. If it turned over properly sa kapolisan, it would be secured,” Comendador told reporters.

The Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force (CPAIFTF) confiscated Saturday five boxes of blasted fish at a checkpoint near Danao City Fish Port.

Task force field coordinator Joefrey Merencillo said when they decided to take lunch they left the confiscated fish at the police station, thinking that it was the safest place.

But when they returned, they found out that three boxes of fish worth P7,500 were missing and another box was half-empty.

The policemen on duty could not reportedly explain what happened or who were responsible for the loss.

The task force personnel also reportedly complained that there were no policemen assisting them during the operation. Comendador said there was probably some miscommunication on the matter.

“Perception ra na, support or dili, depende na pag appreciate sa tawo,” he said. — (FREEMAN)