55 men face illegal fishing raps

CEBU, Philippines - A criminal complaint for violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code was filed before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office against 55 fishermen caught using active fishing gears in the municipal waters of Daanbantayan.

Loy Anthony Madrigal and Servideo Panares, members of the Daanbantayan Bantay Dagat, said their teams were patrolling in the waters of Isla de Gato, Daanbantayan, Cebu, on October 5, 2014, when they chanced upon the suspected illegal fishers.

Under Section 90 of the Republic Act 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code, use of active gear in the municipal waters is prohibited.

Aside from R.A. 8550, Madrigal and Panares also filed violation of Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ordinance of Cebu against the suspects who were all from Negros Occidental.

The suspects, however, were already released from police custody after they allegedly promised to pay the fine. The fishing vessels used by the suspects were allegedly owned by Allan Daniel and a certain Helga of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

The owners could face a fine ranging from P2,000 to P20,000 depending on the court's decision.—  (FREEMAN)