Group condemns arrest of marginal fishers
BACOLOD CITY -- The group called Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas-Negros (PAMALAKAYA-Negros) condemned the “illegal arrest” of marginal fishers in Cadiz City Saturday morning.
They described it as an abuse of power on the part of the arresting team.
The marginal fishers were merely discharging their fish catch at a wharf in Barangay Daga, Cadiz City on the morning of July 4 when elements of the Coast Guard led by PO1 Leonardo Clamano, commander of the Bantay Dagat in Cadiz City, had them arrested, the group said.
“Although they docked in Cadiz City it is not a legal basis to warrant the arrest and the confiscation of the fishing gears of the marginal fisherfolks,” they added.
Police record revealed that Arturo Prietos, Melecio Prietos, Nelson Solitario, Harry Lumocso, Harry Lumocso Jr. Stanley Solitario, and Dodong Capillian all residents of Sitio Mocabog, Barangay Escalante were all arrested.
“Fishing for subsistence has been declared a crime in Cadiz City. The marginal fisherfolks who labored to produce food and income for their families are now dislocated and suffering,” the group claimed.
“It’s almost a year since the Cadiz 13 incidents happen, and again the injustice against the small and marginal people were committed by state agents who vowed to protect the rights of the people”, they added.
With all these, the group is calling for an immediate release the confiscated items and fishing boats.
“The continued impoundment of the fishing boats means poverty and hunger for the marginal fisherfolks,” they added.
Members of the arresting team could not be reached for any comment as of press time.