2 men arrested for illegal fishing

CEBU, Philippines - Two men were arrested for fishing inside the marine sanctuary of Catmon, northern Cebu last Thursday, April 7.

Residents of Barangay Panalipan caught Rolle Saclanos and Ricky Muñoz of Taytay, Danao City at around six in the morning.

The two were taken to the Catmon Police Station.

Police Officer 2 Elieger Casinto said that the two fishermen violated Section 3 of Resolution No. 3 of the Municipal Ordinance No.1-2009, which prohibits fishing inside the marine sanctuary.

The police confiscated a motorboat, fishing net and 15 kilos of assorted kinds of fishes. Moreover, the officer observed that the fishermen used fine fishing nets, which is illegal.

The violators were locked up in jail but were later released after they explained to Agricultural Officer Loida Aroma and Deputized Fish Warden Rolando Rolio that they did not know the area was a fish sanctuary because they are not from the place.

Saclanos and Muñoz paid P500 each as penalty. They also apologized to the residents of Barangay Panalipan and vowed not to violate their fishing laws again. (FREEMAN)