14 charged for illegal fishing

FOURTEEN people, including a boat captain, are facing charges in court for violation of the fisheries ordinance of Zamboanga City, a police official reported Saturday.

Charged for violation of the local fisheries ordinance were Rojun Barrios, Mark Isnani, Julimar Diaz, Marlon Dizon, Sonnyboy Uros, Mukim Yakin, Isoy Becoy, Leo Lacrete, Bonbon Arete, Jerry Santillan, Ronel Villanueva, Bobong Tasing, Oscar Uros and Alemar Oniog.

Barrios is the skipper while the rest are crew of a fishing boat known as F/B Vision, which was recently intercepted while on a fishing venture within the 15 kilometers distance from the shoreline of Pasilmanta village, Sacol Island, east of this city.

The 15 kilometer distance from the shoreline is reserved for marginal fishermen thus, commercial fishing is strictly prohibited.

Chief Inspector Nonito Asdai, Sacol Island Police Assistance Center head, said they were conducting seaborne patrol around 4 p.m. of July 13 when they spotted the fishing boat within fishing ground reserved for marginal fishermen.

Meanwhile, Asdai said four of the 14 accused obtained temporary liberty after paid the required bail bond of P4,000 each.

Temporarily freed while their case is being heard are Barrios, Lacrete, Diaz and Santilla, Asdai said.