Fishing vessel seized in San Dionisio ring net operation

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — Authorities seized a fishing vessel that was allegedly engaged in illegal ring net fishing, locally known as “baling,” off Matagda Island in San Dionisio, Iloilo, on Sunday, Aug. 30.

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force and local police intercepted the unnamed vessel during a joint operation.

Authorities confiscated assets valued at an estimated PHP 153,500.

The haul consisted of the fishing boat valued at PHP 50,000, fishing gear worth PHP 100,000 and a tub of harvested anchovies valued at PHP 3,500.

The boat operator, a San Dionisio resident, was apprehended and taken to the San Dionisio Municipal Police Station.

Authorities alleged that the use of the fishing gear in municipal waters violated Section 95 of Republic Act 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act 10654.

Section 95 prohibits the use of active fishing gear in municipal waters, bays and other fishery management areas.

Authorities said the operator was informed in a language he understood of his constitutional rights under the Miranda doctrine and protections under the Anti-Torture Act of 2009.

The operator remained detained pending the filing of appropriate charges.

The vessel and fishing gear remained in the custody of the Bantay Dagat Task Force while authorities prepared the case.