Three arrested for “illegal” fishing in Madridejos

CEBU, Philippines - Three fishermen were arrested by the police and the local Bantay Dagat of Madridejos town, Bantayan Island, after they were caught fishing within municipal waters past 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

Adones Silverio, 51 and Jimboy Yunson, 20, both from Placer, Masbate and Paulino Santillan, 52 of Bantayan town, Bantayan Island, were arrested after they were seen fishing in the waters off Madridejos without the necessary permit.

PO2 Orland Alico, desk officer, said that some fishermen in the municipality had long been complaining about the illegal fishing activities of the three.

Alico added that even operators of fish traps (bobo) have complained because if the traps got entangled in the net, the three would allegedly cut it.

Based on Provincial Ordinance 2012-05, fishing activities in municipal waters within the province’s jurisdiction is strictly prohibited.

Last Tuesday, Leonardo Jumanguin of the Municipal Fisheries requested for police assistance after receiving a report from a fisherman who saw a vessel boarded by the three illegally fishing off Bungtod Reef in Madridejos town.

The police and the Bantay Dagat personnel accompanied Jumanguin and conducted seaborne patrol.

The police approached the three and asked them for fishing permits and other legal documents. However, the fishermen failed to produce documents, hence the arrest and confiscation of their fishing boat, gears and 10 bundles of fishing net worth P300,000.

The three will be facing charges for violation of the amended Philippine Fisheries Code of the 1998. — (FREEMAN)