FORTY-SIX local fishermen have been apprehended for illegal fishing in the islands of Sicogon and Tago in Concepcion town, Iloilo province.

The fishermen were engaging in Danish seine and round haul fishing prohibited by the town’s law, said Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Gilbert Piedad, chief of Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task

Force.

The fishermen also violated the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Fisheries (BFAR) Administrative Order 246, series of 2013, declaring the use of Danish seine and modified Danish

seine illegal.

The arrested fishermen were the following:

F/B Tripple-J: Celfred Baldemor (owner), Felix Datu, Benjie Bacera, Sonny Galvez, Joemar Bebing, Joel Mendoza, Noel Babaran, and Jerick Casumpang.

F/B KFC-2: Erjoe Paisano (owner), Jesus Basendasan, Albert Gregorio, Rey Batucs, Mea Gregorio, Michael Rosler, Rodel Padernal, Efren Caderyo, Albert Cañeso, and Ronel Asdulo.

F/B 888: Simeon Biñas (owner), Jesus Asturias, Ramter Bayuran, Norman Biñas, Richard Guines, Jobert Arcillo, John dela Cruz and Clarence Siocong.

F/B Maiko: Noel Singson (owner), Jurry Albiño, Marjorie Singson, Ernesto Guines, Noriel Singson, Jovencio Baldemor, Jerry Albiño, and Bambie Singson.

F/B Shiftas 5: Efren Guinez (owner), Agustin Guines, Daryl Bagin-in, Bebot dela Cruz, and Godofredo Barcebal

F/ B Ken-Ken 4: Ricky Guinez (owner), Ruben Asturias, Alberto Asturias, Julius Posadas, John Asturias, Dindo Navarro, and Niño Navarro

The owners of the fishing boats have entered into a compromise fine with the Municipal Government to have them released from prison.

So far, the owners of Tripple J, KFC, 888, and Maiko paid a total of P75,000 and were able to recover their fishing vessels while the rest have yet to pay. (PIO)