14 caught for illegal fishing

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Navy and the local police and Bantay Dagat of Toledo City caught 14 men yesterday morning in Barangay Sto. Niño (Maingit), Toledo City for illegal fishing.

The arrested fishermen were: Arman Tejas, Jessie Gregas, Glenn Tejas, Elesio Conteñita, Wilson Rago, Ernesto Conteñita, Rolando Paquero, Joseph Osmundo, Leonardo Deen, Jennis Lumangtad, Tony Zomo, Tomas Gabito and Eigi Ipon, all residents of Sto Niño (Maingit), Toledo City.

Felipe Lumantad, the alleged owner of the fishing vessel Queen Vee, was also arrested.

Their arrest stemmed after the request of Toledo City Mayor John Henry Osmeña to the Philippine Navy-Cebu Station and the local police to put an end to the reported illegal fishing activities in the city.

In an interview, Boat Captain Ricardo Tornea of the Philippine Navy said that while they were patrolling in the sea waters of Toledo City with the local police and Bantay Dagat, the fishermen were seen illegally fishing.

The fishermen reportedly used dried coconut palm leaves tied with a rope locally known as “Haboy” or “Habong” which was thrown into the sea to attract fish and then used fine mesh nets to capture the fishes, which is a violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

Also, Tornea said the fishermen defied an infraction of Toledo City’s ordinance prohibiting big fishing vessels from fishing within 10 kilometers from the city’s shoreline.

The fishing vessel was confiscated, as well as a big basin full of assorted fish believed to be illegally caught.

According to the arrested fishermen, they have been using the said fishing method since 1988 and it was the first time they were caught.  They added that each time they use the same fishing method, they can catch at least three basins of fish.

The fishermen were brought to the Toledo City Police Station for filing of the appropriate charges against them.   (FREEMAN)