It was the third fruitful operation of the Philippine Navy together with the elements of the 903rd Maritime Police based in this city aboard a navy ship BRP Pangasinan (PS31) led by Navy Commander Noel Felecia.

In a complaint affidavit executed by LtJP Julius Tuttoh of the Philippine Navy with SPO1 Ricardo Paras and PO1 Danilo Sabate, both members of the Maritime Police stated that on March 25 on or about 3 in the morning while conducting sea patrol along Tagolo, Tukuran, they sighted fishermen in motorized bancas engage in commercial fishing in the area.

Upon inspection and verification whether they lawfully engage in commercial fishing, the fishermen failed to show proof as registered fishermen in Tukuran.  Hence, they were suspected as illegal fishers, identified as: 1) Felix Torres, 58; 2) Renato Veñares, 37, 3) Reynaldo Damiles, 60, 4) Felix Alforque, 37, all from Barangay Bomba, Pagadian City and 5) Joseph Logronio, 41 of Lacturan, San Pedro, this city.

The five, accordingly, violated the Fishery Act of 1998 where license to fish has limits and boundaries as securing permit to fish is already localized as mandated in the Local Government Code of 1991.

Their failure to show proof that they are registered fishermen of Tukuran, their motorized bancas were confiscated, engines and corresponding accessories to include their catch.  Seized items were properly turned over to the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Field Office at the Wharf area for proper disposition.

According to Navy Commander Felecia, fishing outside the boundary of their license is illegal.  The local government units (LGUs) are now empowered to impose fishery laws. The Fishery Act of 1998 encourages LGUs to have color coding and proper numbering of fishing boats within their jurisdiction for easy identification.

In case of encroachment, Felecia clarified that fishermen will be in trouble for the law enforcers, like them, can apprehend violators based on prima facie evidence.

In earlier operation dated March 20, the group of Felecia apprehended five pump boats owned by the following: Mr. Sitie and Mansawi Saliling; Macoy Matingcad and Bed Impo; Luma Edris and Salman Abdulgani; Sixto Baldado/Brando Inquito/Florencio Quisel; Rolly and Ronie Sebliro.

Notably, of the five motorized bancas, three were not equipped with fishing nets needed for fishing activity rather scoop nets with long handles and styro foams were found in them.

In several occasion, lawful fishing operators were complaining of rampant “mabugsikay” using scoop nets within the Illana, Maligay and Dumanquillas bays.

In fact, this practice is being questioned by one Coast Guard personnel why allow fishermen go fishing without fishing parapernalias only scoop nets.

BFAR Assistant Regional Director Estelita Pacardo, over the Pakisayud sa Alindahaw radio program, admitted that the local government units have to pass Municipal Fishery Ordinance to regulate this practice.

So far, the presence of the Philippine Navy, joint sea patrol of the Maritime Police and elements of the Coast Guard, more than 20 fishermen were apprehended for various violations. 

The Philippine Navy upon request of lady Governor Auring E. Cerilles arrived Pagadian wharf last March 13.

Last update : 11-04-2008 16:04

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