5 Arrested for Illegal Fishing in Panay, Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Five individuals were arrested for illegal fishing on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 4, in the waters off Panay, Capiz.

Authorities withheld the names of the suspects, who are all residents of Barangay Casanayan, Pilar, Capiz.

According to the Panay Municipal Police Station, the suspects were caught in the act of illegal fishing during a joint operation by Bantay Dagat, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and local police.

The suspects were allegedly using a “trawl” without the required permit.

Recovered from them were two motorized fishing boats, fishing nets with complete accessories, and 22 kilos of assorted fish.

The suspects and confiscated items were turned over to the MENRO-Panay for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, police also arrested a farmer with a pending arrest warrant around 8:47 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, in Barangay Ilawod, Panitan, Capiz.

The arrest warrant was issued by a Regional Trial Court judge in Roxas City.

The suspect, identified only as alias Toto of Barangay Banggaan, Panitan, is facing a homicide charge.

The court set bail at PHP60,000 for his temporary liberty.

He remains in custody at the Panitan Municipal Police Station after failing to post bail.