12 fishermen fall for illegal fishing

CEBU, Philippines - Twelve fishermen were arrested by the members of the “Bantay Dagat” in Santa Fe after they were caught fishing using fine mesh nets in violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

Edwin Canoy, leader of the group, together with Ricardo Bondoc, Kido Empar, Raymund Sinambong, Romnick Empar, Mario Rosos, Arnel Sinambong, Rubilito Escaran, Rogelio Sinambong, Leo Pritor, Noynoy Ilustrisimo and a minor, all residents of Barangay Bitngil, Medellin, are temporarily detained at the Santa Fe Police Station following their arrest Sunday evening in the seawaters of Barangay Pooc, Santa Fe.

The minor suspect was already turned over to the women and children’s desk. Bantay Dagat members led by Orlen Pacinio were on patrol operations when they saw the suspects’ illegal activity.

The Bantay Dagat requested for assistance from the police station before accosting them. A team led by PO2 Marino Cajer and PO2 Anthony Illut together with 20 other policemen responded to the call for arrested and arrested the suspects.

The use of fine mesh nets is prohibited under Section 89 of the fisheries code.

Fine mesh nets is a kind of net with mesh size less than three centimeters which allows such method to catch small fishes and damage other seawater resources such as coral reefs.

Violators of Section 89 of the Philippines Fisheries Code are subject to a fine from P2,000 to P20,000 or an imprisonment of six months to two years. The imposition of both fines and imprisonment depends on the discretion of the court.

The pump boat and six light bulbs used by the group of Canoy are now under the watch of the tanods of Barangay Pooc. (FREEMAN)