Friday, January 05, 2007 Illegal fishers abandon assorted catch and fine nets in Oton By Ruby P. Silubrico
FINE nets and assorted fishes were recovered after illegal fishers left after personnel of the Bantay Dagat tried to apprehend them along the sea waters of Barangay Botong, Oton, Iloilo Thursday.
SPO3 Neri Legislador of the Oton Police Station said the Bantay Dagat Task Force informed them at around 7 a.m. to help them chase illegal fishers who were onboard a fishing vessel.
However, upon seeing the police, the fishermen cut off their catch and fled to an inner area of Oton.
The police were able to recover several fishes and shrimps inside the nets. Legislador said they are now focusing on illegal fishing in their area even if it is not rampant. His move is in response to the call of Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas Sr. to stop illegal fishing in the province.
On the other hand, the local government of Oton is also helping the police to run after illegal fishers.
Using fine nets is a violation of RA 8550 or the anti-illegal fishing law.
