5 Nabbed for Illegal Fishing in Panay, Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ — Five individuals were arrested early Thursday morning, April 3, for illegal fishing in the seawaters off Panay, Capiz.

The joint operation was conducted by the Panay Bantay Dagat and the Philippine National Police (PNP), with the suspects caught around 4:32 a.m.

Police identified the suspects as alias Botchoy, 54, boat captain; alias Art, 30; alias Boy, 52; alias Dindo, 39; and alias Jessie, 49, all residents of Barangay Casanayan, Pilar, Capiz.

An investigation by the Panay Municipal Police Station (PMPS) revealed the group was engaged in illegal fishing using the “semi-palupad” method without proper documents or a mayor’s permit.

Recovered from the suspects were a pump boat worth PHP100,000; two units of 4DR5 diesel engines worth PHP30,000; fishing nets with complete accessories valued at PHP150,000; and 100 kilos of assorted fish worth PHP10,000.

The total value of seized items was estimated at PHP290,000.

The suspects and confiscated equipment are now in the custody of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of the Panay local government for proper disposition.