CEBU, Philippines - At least 11 fishermen reportedly caught illegally fishing in the waters off Madridejos town, Cebu were arrested by the police and Bantay Dagat personnel on Friday night.
Arrested were boat captains Balbeno Manzanares, 62; Rogelio Carabio, 24; Jose Tecson, 48; and Ben Ilustrisimo, 46 and crew members Jason Anciano, 33; Aniel Anciano, 22; Daniel Anciano, 22; Carlito Bontilao, 30; Renel Escaran, 30; Jerry Tecson, 27; and Marcelo Ofqueria, 65.
Prior to their arrest, municipal fisheries head Leonardo Jumaquin received a report about an ongoing fishing activity within the municipal water, prompting him to ask escorts from the police.
Accompanied by two police officers from Madridejos Police Station, Jumaquin conducted seaborne patrol late Friday afternoon.
By 7 p.m., the team approached two big fishing boats and asked the captains to show their permit from the municipal government of Madridejos, to which the latter failed.
The boat captains, along with their crew, were then arrested and brought to the police station.
Their boats and bundles of fishing nets were also confiscated.
Charges for violation of the amended Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 will be filed against them. (FREEMAN)