20 nabbed for illegal fishing in Panay

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Twenty persons were arrested by local authorities in separate operations against illegal fishing in the waters of Panay, Capiz Saturday morning.

The suspects were identified as Marcos Cioco, Ian Joseph Ombas, Marcel Cioco, Jeremy Aringo, Elmer Bisu, Jonel Delgado kag Arthur Salazar, all of Barangay Cantil, Balud, Masbate.

Also arrested were Noel Rodriguez with his crew members Jonel Artates, Robert Artates, Ronald Artates and Rene Francisco, all of Barangay Libas here.

The suspects were spotted by members of the Capiz Maritime Police Station while in the middle of alleged illegal fishing activities.

The two fishing boats were placed under the custody of Maritime Police including the fishing paraphernalia and assorted fishes while the 12 fishermen were freed after paying corresponding fines.

Meanwhile, 8 more persons were caught by Panay Municipal Police Station for using a trawl, a type of outlawed fishing gear, in the waters of Panay also on Saturday morning.

The suspects were identified as JR Peña, 36, boat captain; Roberto Moreno, 45; Romel Albarado, 30; Ronron Peña, 20; Rodel Aceboque, 31; Samuel Sabala, 31; Beny Laceño, 30; and Jerald Jicaraya, 28, all of Barangay Libas, Roxas City.

The suspects were turned over to Panay Municipal Police Station while the confiscated 120 kilos of fishes were turned over to the Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Office-Panay.