7 nabbed for blast fishing

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Seven fishermen were arrested for allegedly using explosives while fishing in the waters off Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on Wednesday.

Police said they seized from the fishermen 900 kilos of dalagang bukid  or yellow tail fusilier and 105 kilos of giant trevally with an estimated market value of P166,500.

Aside from the fish, the arresting team seized three fish tubs, a motorized banca and an L300 van, Brig. Gen. Christopher dela Cruz, Mimaropa police director, said. 

Results of a laboratory examination conducted on the fish indicated signs consistent with blast fishing, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Charges for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code were filed yesterday against the suspects before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor.