30 more caught for illegal fishing in municipal waters of Madridejos

CEBU, Philippines - Weeks after the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) and the Anti-illegal fishing task force of the Provincial Capitol took into custody more than 30 fishermen who were caught fishing in restricted municipal waters, the two groups have again seized two motorboats in the municipality of Madridejos yesterday morning for reportedly committing the same violation.

Loy Madrigal, provincial chief security officer, said that they seized the two motorboats around 6 in the morning at Tangingue islet, within the jurisdiction of Madridejos town, which was carrying around P500,000 worth of assorted fish, illegally caught in municipal waters.

Based on Provincial Ordinance 2012-05, fishing activities in municipal waters within the province’s jurisdiction is strictly prohi-bited.

Both the ships, M/B Seanne and M/B Mark Hope, are owned by the same person from Cadiz City in Negros Occidental but was still unnamed as of yesterday.

There were 15 crew members in each ship and were all taken under the custody of PENRO.

On M/B Seanne, 170 big basins full of assorted fish were confiscated while another ten were seized from the M/B Mark Hope.

Madrigal said they also impounded both the ships and would only be returned to the owner once the full amount of the fine would be settled.

According to Madrigal, one kilo of fish is equivalent to the fine of P5,000 and one basin can reportedly contain 35 to 40 kilos of fish.

Madrigal said they have distributed the fishes to the towns of San Remegio, Bantayan and Bogo City, particularly to a hospital where food is needed.  (FREEMAN)