In a rare show of force, combined elements of the Philippine Navy, under the Naval Forces of Western Mindanao led by Navy Commander Noel L. Felicia, Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry Batallion led by their Commanding Officer Col. Samuel Gayongorsa, based in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, and the Philippine National Police under the Provincial Police Office commanded by P/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena, in the early morning of May 20, 2008, raided the island of Ticala, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, in order to put an end to sea robberies and extortion in the waters of Illana Bay.

Ticala island is situated off the coasts of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur. The island has long been believed to be the haven of sea-pirates and extortionists victimizing legitimate fishers in the Illana Bay for many years.

But according to Navy Commander Noel L. Felicia, commanding officer of the BRP Pangasinan of the Philippine Navy, the legend of the Ticala Island being the haven of the sea pirates for many years is finally quashed. Their presence alone is a clear indication of the government’s determination to put an end to piracy and restore law and order in the waters of Illana Bay, Commander Felicia added.

Meanwhile, 16 unregistered, high-powered motorboats docked in the Ticala port were confiscated by the Philippine National Police. According to the police, these being unregistered and without markings, these boats become illegitimate and may have been used in illegal activities. The boats were impounded in violation of a municipal ordinance at the Maritime Police and await clearance from the provincial police office.

According to Yashir Samal, a resident and former barangay captain  of Ticala, they are happy with the presence of the government troops in the island. The establishment of a detachment in the area will dispel once and for all the suspicions that the island is a haven of sea robbers and extortionists, Samal suggested.

Ticala,is populated by more or less 320 residents mostly belonging to the Muslim tribe. They thrive on coconut farming and fishing as sources of livelihood.

In a related incident, 7 of the 16 confiscated motorboats were partially damaged while being towed by the BRP Pangasinan on the way to the maritime police office  at the Pagadian City port. But P/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena of the PNP Provincial Police Office assures that the government will shoulder the repair of the said boats once the other coordinating agencies are appraised of the damages.

The whole operation was fully supported and coordinated with the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur under Provincial Governor Aurora Cerilles.

Last update : 26-05-2008 19:02

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