12 ‘illegal fishers’ fall in Tuburan

CEBU, Philippines - Twelve fishermen were arrested for allegedly fishing in a protected area in the waters off Tuburan town Saturday dawn.

Thirty big basins of assorted fishes estimated to worth P30,000 were seized from the fishermen who were from Negros Oriental.

Their pump boats and fishing gears were also seized.

The suspects were identified as Melvin Aligato, 29; Jessie Araes, 36; Randy Aligato, 30; Dave Yobal, 34; Ranil Mondigo, 31; Carmelito Aligato, 22; Edwin Aligato, 37; Marlon Aligato, 30; Jesus Aligato, 48; Roberto Araes, 22; Henry Lobaton, 30; and Deso Ejorango, 54.

P03 Benchie Acaso of Tuburan Police Station said the illegal fishers were caught fishing in Tañon Strait, a protected area that extends to nearby towns of Tuburan.

The suspects were caught by personnel of the town’s Bantay Dagat and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team who were patrolling the seas at 2 a.m. Saturday.

The suspects were informed of their violation and were brought to the Tuburan Police Station.

The boat operator who hails from Sabay, Negros Oriental paid P30,000 or P1,000 per basin of fish as fine and the suspects were released from jail on the same day.

“Looy lang ning mga gagmayng mananagat tungod ani nila,” said Acaso.

The seized were distributed to the different departments of the Tuburan Municipal Government, to some residents and to a hospital, among others. — (FREEMAN)