Two fishermen nabbed for illegal ring-net fishing in Concepcion

CONCEPCION, Iloilo — Two fishermen were apprehended after authorities intercepted their boats allegedly engaged in illegal ring-net fishing off Tago Island in Concepcion, Iloilo, on Tuesday night, Oct. 27.

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF), in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Unit 6 (RIU-6), seized four tubs of anchovies worth an estimated PHP 10,000 during the operation.

Police identified the fishermen as Orlan Alegabis Oñate, 30, and Nestor Botongon Villegas, 52, both residents of Sitio Diamante, Barangay Lo-ong, Concepcion.

According to a police report, the operation was launched following a tip from a concerned citizen about suspected illegal fishing activities near Tago Island.

A joint team led by Police Chief Master Sgt. Ariel Palmera proceeded to the area aboard Iloilo Provincial Patrol Speedboat No. 1.

At around 10 p.m., operatives intercepted Oñate’s blue motorized fishing boat approximately 805 meters from shore.

The vessel was equipped with a ring net, locally known as baling, and carried two tubs of anchovies valued at PHP 5,000.

About 15 minutes later, the team intercepted Villegas’ yellow fishing boat approximately 894 meters from shore.

The vessel was also equipped with a ring net and carried two tubs of anchovies worth another PHP 5,000.

Authorities ordered both fishermen to stop fishing and haul in their nets after identifying themselves as law enforcement officers.

The two were informed of the reasons for their apprehension and advised of their constitutional rights in a language they understood before being brought to the Concepcion Municipal Police Station for booking and documentation.

The two boats, their engines, and fishing gear remain in the custody of the IPBDTF pending the filing of appropriate charges for alleged violations of fisheries laws.

Under Section 95 of Republic Act No. 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654, the use of active fishing gear in municipal waters, bays, and other designated fishery management areas is prohibited, subject to applicable exceptions.

Ring nets are classified as active fishing gear because they are used to encircle and capture schools of fish.

The law is intended to protect marine resources and regulate fishing activities, particularly in municipal waters where small-scale fisherfolk depend on coastal fishing grounds for their livelihoods.

Authorities said the confiscated anchovies would be donated to local government hospitals and charitable institutions.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Police Lt. Col. Neil E. Gumana, commander of the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Other members of the team were Police Master Sgt. Bernard Tanoy, Police Staff Sgt. Jim Agarrado, and Police Cpl. Alexter John Asturias.

Edgar Rafol piloted the patrol speedboat.