27 nabbed for illegal fishing in Carles; patrol boats damaged in pursuit

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF), in coordination with the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company and Carles Municipal Police Station, apprehended 27 individuals — including a fishing vessel pilot and his 26 crew members — for illegal fishing off the coast of Brgy. Punta, Carles, Iloilo on June 9.

According to the provincial government’s report, the suspects were caught red-handed aboard a steel-hulled commercial fishing boat engaged in hulbot-hulbot (Danish Seine fishing), a method prohibited under Philippine law.

A blotter report from Carles police showed that two patrol boats of the IPBDTF spotted the vessel actively conducting the banned fishing activity.

When approached, the crew attempted to evade capture by cutting and sinking their scarring line, net, and tom weights, then accelerating away from the patrol units.

During the chase, some fishermen threw ropes at the patrol boats to entangle their propellers.

As the task force vessels drew closer, the fishing boat suddenly made a U-turn and rammed both patrol boats — nearly capsizing one and causing damage to its bow and stern, while the other sustained outrigger damage.

Task force personnel managed to regain control and fired a warning shot to subdue the suspects.

Three crew members were injured in the confrontation and were immediately brought to Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital in Balasan, before being transferred to Western Visayas Medical Center.

All three were discharged on June 11 after sustaining non-serious injuries, according to Provincial Administrator Raul Banias.

The boat’s pilot, identified as Herman Tanes of Brgy. Abung, Carles, and his crew — from various areas in Iloilo, Masbate, and Negros Occidental — were charged violations of Section 97 in relation to Fisheries Administrative Order 246-1, Section 115 and Section 123 of Republic Act 10654 (Anti-Illegal Fishing Law), and Article 148 of the Revised Penal Code.

The IPBDTF has taken custody of the vessel, its fishing gear, and other recovered materials.

The 50 tubs of assorted fish, estimated to be worth P75,000, will be distributed to district hospitals and charitable institutions.

The successful operation forms part of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.’s directive to intensify the protection of marine resources and sustain the crackdown on illegal fishing activities in the province.