Bantay Dagat nabs 5 illegal fishing vessels
In the continuing campaign of Tupas administration to stop the illegal fishing activities in the seawaters of Iloilo Province another five illegal fishing vessels were apprehended by Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force last week in 5th District of Iloilo.
In a report coming from Provincial Agriculture Office's Fisheries Division headed by Mr. Aniceto B. Diamante to Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. these fishing vessels were seized in the municipal waters of San Dionisio, Iloilo on November 25, 2006.
Apprehended boats were F/B Salvie owned by Romel L. Morales with crews namely Romeo B. Luzano, Ramel B. Maulanat and Danilo B. Sabolga; F/B Tisoy of Emelio L. Angwas with crewmen Joebert T. Lagdamin and Randy M. Canoy; F/B Toto Negro of Junjun B. Torrecamada and crews Joebert C. Pandacan and Reynaldo S. Lico-an; F/B Junjun of Lolita Licoan, manned by Henry T. Balontong with crewmen Fernando B. Estocado and Johnny C. Pandacan; and F/B Malyn owner by Edelyn Torrecamada and being manned by Jose Torrico with crews Dominador B. Cavallero and Joevenson B. Torrico.
Ten cases were already filed against them at the 4th Municipal Circuit Trial Court in San Dionisio in violation of Republic Act No. 8550 of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 specifically Section 86 or Unauthorized Fishing or Engaging in Other Unauthorized Fisheries Activities and Section 89 or the Use of Fine Mesh Net.
If found guilty, they shall suffer the following penalties: (1)the boat captain and master fisherman of the vessels who participated in the violation shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment from two (2) years to six (6) years; (2) The owner/operator of the vessel shall be fined from Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) to Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) upon the discretion of the court. However, if the owner/operator is a corporation, the penalty shall be imposed on the managing partner, the catch shall be confiscated and forfeited.
Apprehending officers were PO1 Emmanuel Orellanes, Reynaldo Villa, Sr. and Borromeo Santoyo.
(Capitol News)