Six arrested in Samboan for “illegal fishing”

CEBU, Philippines - Six fishermen were arrested within the municipal waters of Samboan yesterday dawn for alleged illegal fishing.

 Led by Police Officer 3 Johnny Marquinio, the police officers of Samboan Police Station conducted seaborne patrol after receiving a number of reports from concerned citizens about the illegal fishing in the area.

 During their operation, the Samboan police spotted a fishing boat within 15 kilometers from the seacoast of Barangay Colase, Samboan.

Fishing within municipal waters is prohibited under Municipal Ordinance 9 series of 2005.

 The police were able to arrest six fishermen and confiscate 40 kilos of assorted fish. Their fishing boat was also seized.

 Arrested were Castilo Bucao, boat captain, 45, of Suba, Samboan; and crew members Ramon Abellar, 49, of Japitan, Barili; Ireneo Oracoy, 45, of Suba, Samboan; Lemie Elnar, 49, of Bonawon Siaton, Negros oriental; and Jose Eric Cahayag, 32, of Japitan, Barili.

Meanwhile, 19 kilos of pork were confiscated by personnel of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries from a stall at the Carbon Public Market.

According to Dr. Alice Utlang, DVMF chief, her personnel seized the meat for lack of a Certificate of Meat Importation.

Utlang said the confiscated meat was donated to the Cebu City Pound.  (FREEMAN)