Mandaue market: Capitol task force seizes 49 stingrays

CEBU, Philippines - At least 49 dead stingrays sold at a public market welcomed the first market inspection of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force (CPAIFTF) in Barangay Centro, Mandaue City past 2 a.m. yesterday.

The group seized the marine fish from a certain Ely Hontilla of Barangay Labogon in the same city.

Marcelo Go, the CPAIFTF head, explained that catching stingrays are prohibited and punishable under the amended provincial fisheries ordinance.

He disclosed that Hontilla knew the prohibition and had even received warning regarding the sale of such fish but seemed to have ignored the law.

“They kept on ignoring. Di natin puwedeng pagbigyan kasi ‘pag laging ganyan, walang mangyayari sa ordinance,” Go told reporters.

He said the stingrays prominently displayed at Mandaue Public Market were bought from Pasil Market in Cebu City, based on the account of Hontilla.

The seized stingrays that weighed 55 kilos were buried inside the Capitol compound. They varied in size, the biggest being 16 inches wide and 18 inches long while the smallest was nine inches, both in length and width.

Go said the stingrays are hunted for soup like “larang.”

A fine of P3,000 and additional P1,000 per kilogram of seized stringray will be imposed upon those who sell the marine fish, he added.The task force will refer the matter to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Adjudication Board for further actions.

Go said Hontilla was still allowed to operate his stall but would be summoned once the hearing of the adjudication body starts.

The operation yesterday was part of the continuing campaign of the province against illegal fishing and marine life protection.Go said it was the first market inspection conducted this year. (FREEMAN)