3 arrested for illegal trawl fishing in Panay, Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Three men were arrested Monday morning, Dec. 22, for engaging in illegal fishing in the waters off Panay, Capiz.

Police identified the suspects as alias “Ron,” 26, boat captain; alias “Ronilo,” 52; and alias “Jerald,” 30. All are residents of Carles, Iloilo.

The suspects were caught using a trawl — a fishing method banned in the municipality under local law.

Authorities recovered one pump boat valued at PHP 100,000; two 12-horsepower diesel engines worth PHP 30,000; a fishing net with complete accessories valued at PHP 50,000; and 20 kilos of assorted fish.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the Panay Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office.

They will face charges for violating Municipal Ordinance No. 03-02, Series of 2003, which prohibits the use of trawl fishing in local waters.