Bantay Dagat Sugbo seizes truckload of brown algae

CEBU, Philippines - A truck load  of brown algae, locally known as “lusay,” was seized in a checkpoint conducted by the Provincial Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force (Bantay Dagat Sugbo) in Sabang, Danao City Thursday evening.

Retired Navy Captain Romeo Tapayan of Bantay Dagat Sugbo said the Isuzu truck with plate numbers ZGP 182 was intercepted in Danao City at 11:30 pm. The truck and its cargo were seized in violation of the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ordinance in Cebu, which was approved in April 30, 2012.

The ordinance bans the “extraction, gathering and harvesting of Samo/Kwapo (Sargasum Polycystum) and other seaweeds species before they are ready for harvest.”

It provides than an administrative fine of P3, 000 may be imposed on each violator, and an additional administrative fine of P1, 000.00 per kilo of Samo/Kwapo and other seaweeds species per violator.

 â€œNaa daw silay permit, but the law in their land cannot supersede the law of the province,” Tapayan added stating the provision of the ordinance.

Tapayan explained that “lusay” is a type of seaweeds where small fishes live. It is used in making plastics and fertilizers.

Truck driver Samson Lopes initially refused to divulge the origin of the seaweeds. However, the truck owner, known only as Marilla, after he refused to divulge his full name, together with his father-in-law, Alfonso Alvarez, appeared before the office of the Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force yesterday and asked for the release of the truck, saying they have a mayor’s permit to buy-and-sell brown algae.

“Unsa may illegal nga among nahimo nga naa man mi permit gikan sa among mayor didto sa Cawayan (Masbate). Igo ra man mi nagtransport dinhi sa Cebu” Marilla stressed.

He also pointed out that the algae were not extracted.

“Violation ni siya if imong langkaton, unya nadagsa ra man pod ni,” Marilla said.

Marilla and Alvarez are both from the province of Masbate and have been trading brown algae for two years.

The truck is now under the custody of the anti-illegal fishing task force while the driver and three other helpers were immediately released.

“Depende na ni Governor Hilario Davide kun ibaligya sa probinsya sa processor aron makakwarta ang province,” Tapayan said.

The Formation of Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Adjudication Board (FARAB) has yet to send a recommendation to the governor on whether to drop the case or file charges in court. — /QSB (FREEMAN)