Sta. Fe recruits Madrigal in war vs. illegal fishers

CEBU, Philippines - Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana said that former Capitol’s chief of security Loy Anthony Madrigal is currently engaged with the municipality as a “freelance consultant” with no compensation.

Esgana said the municipal council even passed a resolution dated July 17, 2014 to the province asking for the assistance of Madrigal, who was then also head of the enforcement team of the Capitol’s Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force, for the town’s anti-illegal fishing operations.

“Unfortunately Madrigal was disconnected with the province last September so we will continue to engage with him in his personal capacity. Me, as a mayor of Santa Fe, believes in his expertise not only in anti-illegal fishing but more on security,” he said.

Last week, two fishing vessels loaded with active gear were apprehended in Daanbantayan town by Madrigal, together with the members of the Bantay Dagat of San Remigio, Santa Fe and Daanbantayan.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III earlier made it clear that any anti-illegal fishing operations conducted by Madrigal will not involve the provincial government.

Madrigal and his secretary stepped down from their posts last month following the report of an illicit affair between them, which stemmed from their “intimate” photos proliferating in the social media. It was Davide who asked Madrigal to resign over moral issues following the posting of the photo with his secretary.

When asked if the town would officially hire Madrigal, Esgana said “We will do that, I believe in his capability and expertise. With regards to disaster risk management, I think he also has the capacity to advise or give us some consultancy services.”

Esgana further added that after Madrigal’s resignation, illegal fishing activities again became prevalent in the town.

“Ang mga illegal fishers nag-fiesta sa Kinatarcan. Halos kada gabii magtawag intawn ang mga mananagat didto nga naa na pod. Kining mga illegal fishers nga nagbase sa San Remigio, Medellin, diri sa mainland Cebu tua didto nag-fiesta,” he complained.

Madrigal was active in anti-illegal fishing efforts of the province and reported he even received threats to his life because of it.

Before Madrigal resigned, his service vehicle issued by the provincial government also figured in an accident in Bogo City, resulting in the death of Felix Mirambel and injury of his wife Marites who were onboard a motorcycle.  (FREEMAN)