11 boxes of dynamited fish seized in Medellin

CEBU, Philippines - Five months after its reorganization, the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force (CPAIFTF) has scored yesterday after it apprehended a truck loaded with 11 boxes containing dynamited fish.

The task force was conducting market denial activities yesterday morning when it chanced upon a canter truck with plate number GMN 363 dri-ven by one Dave Miramba, together with three helpers whose names were not available as of press time. 

Lawyer Czareem Estella, the newly designated coordinator of the task force, said his team noticed the truck slowed down and completely stopped some 50 meters away from the team conducting a checkpoint in Mahawak, Medellin. 

This prompted the team to approach the truck and asked the driver to open the cargo. Miramba reportedly refused to do so, saying the cargo only contained chicken cuts. 

Estella said they checked the cargo and found 35 boxes of fish.

Fish examiner Rodelio Codilla inspected the boxes and confirmed that 11 contained dynamited fish. 

The fish were supposedly to be transported to Pasil in Cebu City. Estella said, quoting the driver, that the seized fish cost P1, 500 per huge basin or “banyera.” 

The seized dynamited fish were turned over to Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center for consumption.

Miramba and his three companions, however, were released on the same day after the task force members recorded their identities and upon the recommendation of the Provincial Legal Office, Estella added.

He said they were able to get an auxiliary permit from Miramba but its entries have yet to be verified.

Estella further said he would be submitting a report today to the Provincial Legal Office for appropriate actions. — (FREEMAN)