9 fishermen nabbed for alleged trawling off Concepcion

ILOILO CITY — Nine fishermen from Negros Occidental were apprehended after authorities intercepted two fishing boats allegedly engaged in illegal trawling off Concepcion, northern Iloilo, early Sunday, Oct. 11.

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force, in coordination with personnel from the Regional Intelligence Unit 6, intercepted the vessels off Sitio Baligiuan in Barangay Malangabang at about 2:45 a.m.

Authorities identified the boats as F/B Eloisa EB and F/B Nday Rona, which were allegedly trawling about 7.34 kilometers from the shoreline.

The operation resulted in the seizure of the two motorized fishing boats, fishing equipment and assorted marine products with a combined estimated value of PHP 710,000.

Police identified the boat captains as Alan Buro Abacaro, 52, of Barangay IX, and Jesus Panes Damasco Jr., 56, of Barangay XIII, both in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Abacaro had five crew members aboard his vessel: Elbert Delina Burro, 51; Arnold Balansag Espadilla, 48; Fred Diaz Barbas, 51; Apawan Valdez, 44; and Rodel Delasan Palasol, 52.

Damasco was accompanied by Joseph Alvarez Didal, 43, and Daniel Paskin Tesara, 43.

Authorities seized the two boats, each valued at PHP 300,000, along with trawling equipment worth a combined PHP 100,000.

The equipment included 600 meters of towing line and four pairs of otter trawl boards used to keep nets open while they are dragged through the water.

The vessels were also carrying about four tubs of assorted fish valued at PHP 10,000.

The provincial government said the confiscated catch would be distributed to penal institutions, hospitals and charitable organizations.

The two captains were brought to the Concepcion Municipal Police Station after being informed of their constitutional rights.

Authorities were preparing charges against them for alleged violation of Section 86 of Republic Act No. 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654.

The seven crew members were released after processing in accordance with the law’s penal provisions.

The seized vessels and equipment were transferred to the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force headquarters and placed under provincial custody.

The operation was led by Chief Master Sgt. Ariel Palmera of the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, together with Cpls. Alexter John Asturias and Leve Jan Begaja.

The team operated under the supervision of Lt. Col. Neil Gumana, the unit’s force commander.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. commended the task force and said sustained maritime enforcement was necessary to protect marine resources and the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen who depend on municipal waters.

The provincial government said the task force, under the supervision of Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, continues round-the-clock patrols against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Visayas Sea.

It said illegal trawling threatens fish stocks and marine biodiversity, particularly in coastal communities where fishing remains a major source of livelihood.

Defensor and Banias vowed to sustain patrols in northern Iloilo and other parts of the Visayas Sea to prevent destructive fishing practices and unauthorized fishing in municipal waters.