SIX fishermen from Carles, Iloilo were arrested after they were caught fishing with the use of dynamite in the waters off Bantayan Island, Cebu on Monday, June 22, 2020.
The Fisheries Resource Protection Group (FRPG) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 identified the suspects as Jessie Gayuma, 31; Mark Dumlao, 32; Juanito Valerya Jr., 45; Richard Santiago, 33; Rogen Jimena, 33; and Ronilo Jimena Sr., 54.
They were brought to the BFAR 7 detachment at Bantayan port.
The FRPG personnel seized the fishermen’s motorbanca, fish finder and 150 kilos of blasted fish that was later turned over to the Bantayan Municipal Agriculturist Office for proper disposal.
BFAR 7 Director Alan Poquita said they will file criminal and administrative charges against the Iloilo fishermen.
He also urged fishermen not to use explosives or conduct illegal fishing activities amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Poquita said the BFAR 7 will continue its seaborne patrol in the waters of Central Visayas amid the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent fishermen from resorting to illegal fishing methods. (WBS)