AUTHORITIES have arrested eight people for illegal fishing in Zamboanga Sibugay, the police reported.

Police Major Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the arrested suspects as Rene Sabtal Tanjilul, 41, fishing boat operator; Radz Lackim Sabtal, 18; Marwan Arani Sabtal, 23; Mudar Casalin Jaliol, 24; Wahid Abdul Surain, 34; Riyad Tanjilul Sabtal, 28; Alsire Campo Arani, 42; and Hayber Edris Waling, 28, all crewmen.

Galvez said the joint team of policemen, soldiers and municipal agriculturist office was conducting a seaborne patrol when they heard an explosion around 11:55 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, off Bulawan, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Galvez said the team immediately responded and arrested the suspects, who were caught using explosives in fishing.

Confiscated from the suspects were sardines, locally known as lupuy, with an estimated worth of P350,000.

Galvez said the suspects and the fishing boat were placed under the custody of the Payao Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (SunStar Zamboanga)