Four nabbed for illegal fishing in Pilar

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Four people were arrested Sunday afternoon, June 28, after they were allegedly caught conducting illegal fishing activities known as “siklob” in the seawaters of Pilar, Capiz.

Police identified the suspects as alias “Leo,” 43, boat captain; alias “Norvin,” 22; alias “Bernard,” 24; and alias “Joel,” 37, all residents of Barangay Barosbos, Carles, Capiz.

Authorities recovered a fishing boat valued at PHP 300,000, a diesel engine with a complete set of fishing paraphernalia valued at PHP 200,000, and about 180 kilos of assorted fish valued at PHP 29,000.

The suspects and confiscated items are under the custody of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Pilar for proper disposition.

Police said charges for violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 01, Series of 1999, Chapter 7, Section 56, or illegal fishing, will be filed against the suspects.

The latest arrest came after seven people were arrested Saturday last week for alleged illegal fishing in the waters off Panay town, Capiz.

A complaint for violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 03-02, or the Municipal Fishery Code, Series of 2003, was filed against them before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Police identified the suspects as alias “Jerryl,” 32, and alias “Edwin,” 42, both boat captains; and crew members alias “Victor,” 29; alias “Bobet,” 48; alias “Rodgen,” 46; alias “Sovereno,” 27; and alias “Arnel,” 31, all of Barangay Casanayan, Pilar, Capiz.

Authorities said the suspects were caught using a trawl, which is prohibited under the Panay municipal fishing ordinance.

Seized from the suspects were two fishing boats valued at PHP 200,000, two diesel engines valued at PHP 30,000, a complete set of fishing paraphernalia valued at PHP 300,000, and about 40 kilos of assorted fish valued at PHP 8,000.

The suspects remained under the custody of the Panay Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office for proper disposition.