22 illegal fishers nabbed in Naga

CEBU, Philippines - At least 22 illegal fishers were arrested Saturday morning by a team of Bantay Dagat patrollers off Barangay Colon, Naga City.

The suspects were caught spreading their fine mesh nets in violation Section 89 of the Republic Act 8550 otherwise known as the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

The suspects were aboard the three fishing boats of Lea Fishing owned by Leodigaria Inoc of Pooc Talisay City when the team led by Senior Police Officer 1 Rodolfo Baga spotted them.

The 22 fishermen were from Talisay City and Camotes Islands. They were led by boat captain Judito Inoc, 51.

The other suspects were Ryan Lopez, Bebot Avila, Emmanuel Maurillo, Eric Epo, Christian Barran, Raymond Bucado, Jay-r Muaña, Allan Formentera, Jove Nodalo, Rodolfo Garrido, Bonifacio Rosal, Rannie Rosal, Loven Belarmino, Jason Alquizar, Chrisie Guillano, Alcris Pardillo, Gomer Zafra, Michael Zafra, Aldrin Lucero, Garciano Rica and Eddie Arcayos.

PO1 Ronjie Nadorra of Naga City Police Station said the suspects were using fine mesh nets with diameters 7, 8 and 10 which are prohibited under Section 89 of the R.A. 8550.

Nadorra said the boats have expired registrations while the boat captain was also found to have expired license.

According to Nadorra, one of the three boats was big enough for it to be allowed to fish at the territorial waters of Naga City.

The suspects are currently detained at the Naga City Police Station pending the filing of the criminal complaint on Monday.

The anti-illegal fishing campaign in Cebu has been intensified after Governor Gwendolyn Garcia created the Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force.(FREEMAN NEWS)