6 illegal fishers charged
Charges have been filed against six crew members of two fishing boats apprehended for illegal fishing off the waters of Culasi, Ajuy recently.
In a report to Governor Niel Tupas Sr., Ildefonso Toledo, officer in charge of Provincial Agriculture Office, said that cases for violation of Sections 90, 86 and 89 of the Republic Act 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, were filed against the captain and crew of fishing boats Super A 95 and Super A 98 at the 3rd Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Sara, Iloilo.
Toledo, in an interview, said the two fishing boats came from Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental and belongs to only one owner. They were apprehended with the help of the Maritime Command and the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force based in the fifth district of Iloilo.
Toledo said the two fishing boats lack permits, and were using fine mesh nets and active gear when apprehended last Octobr 23, 2007.
Each fishing boat have three crews. The crews, however, were able to post bail for their temporary liberty.
The fishing boats, on the other hand, were returned to the owner.
Toledo said RA 8550 does not provide for the impounding of captured fishing vessels.
Meanwhile, Toledo noted that cases of illegal fishing in the province had reduced since the intensification of the illegal fishing drive of the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force.
Toledo also observed that common violators come from other nearby provinces and not from within Iloilo province.