16 fishermen from Negros nabbed off Tuburan waters

CEBU, Philippines- At least 16 fishermen from Negros Oriental including their boat captain were arrested after they were reportedly caught illegally fishing off Kamingawan Shoal in Tuburan, Cebu last Saturday morning.

Arrested were LucioDesuyo Jr., the boat captain, and his crew Renato Azucena Jr., 31; NorieVillaflor, 34; Jay Almencion, 29; Rolando Gimeno, 30; Tali de Julian, 30; RenieAzucena, 35; SarduSibonga, 28; RoditoMislos, 36; Ricky Amayna, 26; EdwinPinunggan, 40; BenjieBlancaflor, 29; Ricky Melgar, 36; RenboMalokos, 36; Willy Cordova, 35; andRaymond Aragon.

Tuburan Police personnel who were conducting seaborne patrol reportedly caught the suspects, onboard fishing boat Dorotyh-2, using active fishing gear and fine fish nets while fishing off Kamingawan Shoal.

The police, onboard a patrol boat, approached the fishing vessel and looked for the captain.

Desuyo, Jr. presented himself but failed to show the crew’s roll book and a fishing permit. The boat crew also failed to show any license that allows them to gather fish within the municipal waters of Tuburan.

With this, the police ordered the captain to dock the fishing boat to the nearest wharf. The 16 fishermen were then brought to the police station.

The police confiscated from them four tubs of assorted fish worth P6,000, the fine mesh nets, and other fishing accessories.

However, the 16 fishermen were released from prison after they were able to pay the fine set by the municipality. The boat was also released.

Police Officer 3 Pablo Arnoco of Tuburan Police said the use of active gear and fine fish nets is prohibited under municipal ordinance and the Fisheries Code of 1998.

He said they are frequently conducting seaborne patrol in Tuburan to protect the local fishermen.  (FREEMAN)