ILOILO -- Ten fishermen manning fishing vessel “Michael” were apprehended for illegal fishing in Barangay Piagao, Carles town recently.
They were caught fishing using modified drift trawl locally known as “palukso” two kilometers from the shoreline of the village – a violation of Section 95 of Republic Act 10654 banning the use of active gears in municipal waters.
Owned by Samuel Dedales of Barangay Bulaquena, Estancia town, the fishing vessel has no licenses, including the fishworkers and gears.
The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force reported that Dedales offered to pay a compromise fine of P25,000 to Carles Municipal Government for fishing without local permit.
But he has to face charges for violating Sections 86 (unauthorized fishing), 113 (employing unlicensed fishworkers) and 95 before the Adjudication Committee of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Western Visayas.
Ten tubs of anchovies were seized from the fishermen during their apprehension and have been distributed to Sara District Hospital for consumption of patients.
The fishing gears remained at the custody of the task force pending final disposition of their case. (Jezza A. Nepomoceno)