Four arrested over illegal fishing in Panay, Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Four people were arrested by authorities early Wednesday morning, July 15, for allegedly engaging in trawl fishing in the waters off Panay, Capiz, without the required documents and permits.

Police identified the suspects as “Felex,” 29, the boat captain, and crew members “Rey,” 45; “Jov,” 41; and “Reyfel,” 48, all residents of Barangay Libas, Roxas City.

Authorities recovered a fishing boat worth PHP 200,000, a diesel engine worth PHP 120,000, a complete set of fishing gear worth PHP 100,000, and about 30 kilograms of assorted fish worth PHP 4,000.

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

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

The Philippine Fisheries Code defines municipal fishing as fishing within municipal waters using vessels of 3 gross tons or less, or fishing that does not require the use of a vessel.

Meanwhile, two men were arrested in separate operations Saturday, July 11, for alleged illegal gambling.

The Pilar police arrested “Adriano,” 65, of Barangay Natividad, Pilar, Capiz, for allegedly collecting bets for an illegal small-town lottery, or STL bookies operation, at about 3 p.m.

Police said he was caught after a poseur-bettor placed a bet.

Authorities recovered one stub for an improvised “cotejo” and PHP 100 in collected bets from the suspect.

On the same day, the Panay police arrested a man for allegedly soliciting bets for an STL bookies operation in Barangay Magubilan, Panay.

Authorities recovered from “Arthur,” 56, of the area, one stub allegedly used to solicit bets, PHP 20 in bet money, and another PHP 140 in collections of different denominations.

Republic Act No. 9287 defines and penalizes participation in illegal numbers games, including the collection or solicitation of bets.

The two suspects are under the custody of the Pilar and Panay police stations for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.