Bantay Dagat nets 5 illegal fishing boats anew

THE Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) continues with its quest to eradicate, if not totally eliminate, illegal fishing activities particularly in Northern Iloilo.

In a report submitted to Provincial Administrator Raul Banias last October 16, IPBDTF revealed that it apprehended five illegal fishing vessels during its October 11-15 operation.

The illegal fishing vessels were identified as: FB Mika owned by Norberto Villanueva of Estancia, FB J-Boy owned by Robert Dela Rosa of Carles, FB St. Anthony de Padua Tri-Star owned by Nance Be of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, FB 3L X1 owned by Vicente Licanto of Roxas City, and FB Janine owned by a certain Melanie of Roxas City.

All the owners of the apprehended vessels paid fines and their illegal fishing paraphernalia were confiscated.

Banias said the latest apprehensions simply show that the Bantay Dagat is not sleeping on its job.

He said the Provincial Government under Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. is serious in its anti-illegal fishing campaign.

Meanwhile, Defensor will lead the launching of the fish condominium in Barangay Barosbos, Carles, Iloilo on Friday, October 19.

Fish condominium is a new type of artificial reef developed by foremost environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa, who will also grace the activity.

The province is planning to extensively deploy fish condominiums on the marine waters in northern Iloilo as part of its goal to regain marine’s resources for the benefit of small fisherfolk. (PR)