2 nabbed for fishing in protected area

CEBU, Philippines —  Two persons were arrested by the elements of Bantayan Maritime Mobile Team (MMT) after they were found fishing in a marine protected area or a fish sanctuary in Barangay Bantigue, Bantayan town on Wednesday.

In a post on the official social media account of the Municipality of Bantayan, the arrested individuals were identified as Roberto Oralde Deo and Rafael Sevilla Cueva, both from  Sitio Bia-as, Barangay Sungko.

The two allegedly violated Republic Act 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code which prohibits fishing within a marine protected area.

“It shall be unlawful to fish in marine protected areas, fishery reserves, refuge, or fish sanctuaries as declared by the Department or the LGUs,” reads Section 101 of RA 10654.

Those found to have violated the law will face a fine of P20,000 to P1 million.

The arrested persons and seized evidence are now under the custody of Bantayan MMT pending the filing of appropriate charges against them.

“Ang natural resources kag katawhan amo gayud ang labing bililhon nga kabtangan sa Bantayan; busa, ang aton deriksyon sa pagpalambo sa ekonomiya kanunay gayud nga timbangon nga malakip sa pagpanalipod sa kahinguhaan,” said Bantayan Mayor Arthu Despi. — KQD  (FREEMAN)