Cop guns down boat skipper during anti-illegal fishing ops

By Jennifer P. Rendon

In what was claimed as self-defense, a policeman shot to death a boat skipper during an anti-illegal fishing operation morning of May 5 at Ajuy, Iloilo.

Police identified the fatality as Angelito Domingo, a resident of Barangay Punta Mesa, Manapla, Negros Occidental.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Special Operations Group (IPPO-SOG) were conducting seaborne patrol when they spotted a motorized banca engaged in alleged hulbot-hulbot fishing at the waters of Barangay Nasidman.

Hulbot-hulbot is considered a destructive fishing gear built with nets connected to sinkers or weights.

The police team ran after the banca until they cornered it.

Staff Sergeant Vergil Baludio of the IPPO-Provincial Intelligence later transferred to the suspects’ motorboat.

But when he was about to arrest Domingo, the latter allegedly attacked him with a knife.

Police reports claimed that when Baludio was not hit, Domingo again attempted to stab him.

This allegedly compelled the police to shoot Domingo’s chest.

He was rushed to Sara District Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police arrested the skipper’s companions.

Apprehended were Arsenio Pastor, 18; Nelson Jalando-on, 53; Robert Pontino, 29; and Nel Torrejos, 27, all residents of Barangay Punta Mesa, Manapla.

The suspects were charge for violation of Republic Act 10654.

The law amends the Philippine Fisheries Code, lapsed into law on February 27, 2015. It seeks to “prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated” or IUU fishing in the country.