Five caught for illegal trawl fishing in Panay

PANAY, Capiz — Five individuals were arrested early Thursday, Sept. 17, for allegedly engaging in illegal trawl fishing in waters off Panay, Capiz.

The Panay Bantay Dagat identified the suspects as alias “Ramil,” 52, the boat captain, and crew members identified as aliases “Ace,” 27; “JR,” 35; “Bryan,” 35; and “Alemar,” 32, all residents of Zone 2, Estancia, Iloilo.

Reports from the Panay Municipal Police Station said the suspects were caught engaging in trawl fishing without a mayor’s permit and other required documents.

Recovered from the suspects were a fishing boat worth PHP 200,000, a diesel engine worth PHP 120,000, a complete set of fishing nets worth PHP 100,000, and 20 kilograms of assorted fish worth PHP 3,000, for a total estimated value of PHP 423,000.

Trawl fishing generally involves towing a fishing net through the water to catch fish and other marine species.

The suspects and the confiscated items were placed under the custody of the Panay Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office for proper disposition.

Charges for violating Municipal Ordinance No. 03-02, Series of 2003, will be filed against the suspects.