ORMOC CITY– Local authorities apprehended five individuals for illegal fishing in the waters off Barangay Patag, Culaba, Biliran at around 6:30 am on December 27.
The suspects were identified as alias “Rayray”, 31, single, from Brgy.Tomalistis; alias “Pangki”, 18, single; alias “Jayjay”, 44, single; alias ‘Joey,’ 47; and alias “Maki”, 23, all from Barangay Looc.
The arrest was made during an anti-illegal fishing operation conducted by the local police, in coordination with the Sangguniang Bayan Chair of the Committee on Aquatic and Agricultural Resources.
The suspects were caught engaging in an illegal fishing practice locally known as “paburo”, which violates Municipal Fishery Ordinance No. 17, Section 51 of Culaba’s Municipal Fishing License and Permits.
Confiscated from the suspects were a fishing boat, valued at approximately P160,000; one motor engine, valued at P60,000; fishing net, valued at P230,000; and around 20 kilograms of fish, with an estimated value of P2,400.
The suspects, along with the seized items, were brought to the Culaba Municipal Police Station for documentation before being turned over to the Municipal Agriculture Office for proper disposition.
Authorities continue to enforce strict measures to combat illegal fishing practices in the province to protect marine resources and promote sustainable fishing.
(ROBERT DEJON)
