4 fishing boats caught in Panay illegal fishing operations

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Four fishing boats and their crew members were apprehended after authorities allegedly caught them conducting illegal fishing activities in the waters off Panay on Saturday, Oct. 10.

Reports said the joint operation was conducted by the Panay Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office following information that the boats were allegedly engaged in an illegal fishing activity locally known as “patuloy.”

Authorities said the boats were operating without a mayor’s permit and other required documents in alleged violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 03-02, Series of 2003, or the Municipal Fishery Code.

About 17 individuals, including the boat captains, were apprehended.

Authorities recovered four fishing boats with their engines, fishing nets and other paraphernalia, along with 10 kilograms of assorted fish.

The seized items had a combined estimated value of PHP 291,000.

The suspects and recovered items were turned over to the Panay Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges.