Seven face illegal fishing charges in Panay

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Seven people arrested for alleged illegal fishing in the waters off Panay town, Capiz, on Saturday afternoon, June 27, were formally charged with violating a municipal fishing ordinance.

A case 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.