Five fishers caught using illegal trawl in Panay

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Authorities arrested five people allegedly caught using a trawl without a mayor’s permit Friday afternoon, July 31, in the municipal waters of Panay, Capiz.

Members of the Bantay Dagat apprehended the five aboard the fishing boat Cherelyn.

Authorities recovered fishing equipment valued at about PHP 425,500 from the vessel.

Police identified the boat captain as Bobby Gaso y Cordova, 58.

His four adult crew members were not identified.

All five are residents of Barangay Gogo in Estancia, Iloilo.

Authorities alleged that the group violated Panay Municipal Ordinance No. 03-02, or the Municipal Fishery Code, Series of 2003.

The suspects and confiscated equipment were turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Panay municipal government for proper disposition.

The Philippine Fisheries Code generally prohibits the use of active fishing gear, including trawls, in municipal waters, subject to applicable national and local regulations.