AT LEAST 16 fishermen were arrested in the Eastern Visayas for alleged illegal fishing activities from January 15 to 20, 2021, a report from Police Regional Office (PRO)-Eastern Visayas said on Friday, January 22.

The arrested persons allegedly violated various municipal fishing ordinances, including the use of air compressor assembly machine, engaging in unauthorized fishing, timing/panggal, fishing within the buffer zone of marine protected area, and operation of active fishing gear and other fisheries-related activities, among others.

The fishermen were arrested in Mayorga, Leyte (3); Jiabong, Samar (2); Lawaan, Eastern Samar (1); Hinunangan, Southern Leyte (1); Culaba, Biliran (5); Talalora, Samar (2); and Zumarraga, Samar (2).

The arrested violators and the confiscated items were brought to their respective police stations for proper disposition. (SunStar Philippines)