Nabbed 'illegal' fishers released; mayor denies intervention

PANGLAO, BOHOL, Philippines — Fishermen, belonging to the Elzon Fishing Company of Elmer Chavez, who were arrested on Black Saturday for allegedly catching fish illegally within Balicasag island's marine sanctuary have been released from police custody and apprehension by marine enforcers, report said.

There were reported allegations that Mayor Benedicto Alcala dipped his finger for the release of the apprehended fishing boat and paraphernalia and subsequently the four arrested fishing crewmen. The mayor flatly denied the accusation.

"It is not true. I have talked to the marine enforcers who reportedly caught the fishing boat. The owner told me that they did intrude into the 15-km sanctuary because they were carried by sea current but they did not do fishing there. I told the enforcers to make sure they have evidence so that appropriate charges will be filed against the owner of the fishing boat and his crew. I did not say to release them and the boat," said Alcala, as he blamed politics to be behind the news report.

The report stated that the fishing boat of Elzon made its fishing routine off the seawaters here last week. The marine officers spotted it and apprehended the fishers, "but were released later on without much ado despite it was reported in the police office here. It was not clear who really caused the released of the apprehended fishing boat, paraphernalia and crew."

A check with the police office here showed that four unnamed fishers were apprehended by the marine enforcers, based in Balicasag island. "They were released later on to avoid arbitrary detention without appropriate charges being filed against them," PO2 Ranillo Lumonsod told The Freeman.

Meanwhile, the 25-hectare island of Balicasag, a sitio of Barangay Poblacion off this town, has continued to be the favorite of divers due to its best diving sites, such as royal garden, black forest and divers' haven. "Tourists flock here for sightseeing and diving", added Alcala.  (FREEMAN)