Task Force seizes tulingan fish, nabs 54 for fine mesh nets use

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force Tuesday morning seized a total of 670 kilos of mackerel tuna locally known as “tulingan” in the waters off Talisay City.

The task force intercepted fishing boat f/b Reym Joy after receiving complaints from fishermen that it was using fine mesh nets.

An inspection by the task force’s personnel confirmed the report after fine mesh nets were discovered inside the boat.

The boat, loaded with 350 kilos of tulingan, was skippered by Celso B. Remarca, 59, of Barangay Looc, Danao City, with 14 crew members.

Minutes later, the task force likewise accosted fishing boat F/B Gretchen int the same vicinity and discovered the same species of fish weighing 170 kilos. The boat was skippered by Modesto Gonzaga of Danao City together with 25 crewmembers.

A total of 150 kilos of tuna was also seized by the task force from another fishing vessel, F/B Jesnor, manned by ship captain Pablito Hermosilla, 43, also of Danao City, and 12 crew members, on the same day.

Task Force Chief Loy Madrigal said that aside from using prohibited fine mesh nets, the apprehended people were operating with active gears with no permits, which is a violation of the fisheries code of the country.

He said they would also look into the claim of the apprehended people that they were permitted by the local Bantay Dagat office to operate in Talisay.

He said those arrested were brought to the task force’s office at the Capitol while the three fishing vessels were impounded at the Naval Forces Central compound in Barangay Looc in Lapu-Lapu City.

The task force also turned over the seized tuna to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and to the fishermen who aided the group in the pursuit of the three fishing vessels.

Madrigal said that a provincial ordinance enacted against illegal fishing imposes a fine of P5,000 per kilo of the seized fish. (FREEMAN)