TEN fishermen were made to pay P2,500 fine each after having been caught fishing without permit from Municipal Government of Concepcion.
Police Officer 3 Charlie Asturias said Wednesday, January 18, that operating without license violates Concepcion’s Municipal Ordinance 1, Series of 2008.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, trawling, a destructive fishing practice, is one of the largest threats to coral reefs.
Trawling is a fishing method that involves pulling a fishing net through the water behind one or more boats. The net used for trawling is called a trawl.
These fishermen were using trawl in gathering fish and were onboard the following motorboat or motor banca (M/BCA):
1. M/BCA “Olivia” owned by Romirico Bello and piloted Rizaldo Bello of Barangay Taloto-an, Concepcion, Iloilo.
2. M/BCA “5 EJ” owned by Jerry Ancuna of Barangay Tanduyan, Ajuy, Iloilo and piloted by Ricky Balderama of Barangay Taloto-an, Concepcion, Iloilo.
3. M/BCA “4 K” owned and piloted by Ernesto Garcia of Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
4. M/BCA “Toto Khaled” owned and piloted by Jestoni Pacardo of Barangay Polopiña, Concepcion, Iloilo.
5. M/BCA “Yenyen” owned and piloted by Antonio Montaniel of Barangay Malangabang, Concepcion, Iloilo.
6. M/BCA “Yori Boy” owned and piloted by Ariel Pajonilla of Barangay Polopiña, Concepcion, Iloilo.
7. M/BCA “Five J” owned and piloted Johnny Belandrez of Barangay Tambaliza, Concepcion, Iloilo.
8. M/BCA “Sha Sha” owned and piloted by Joebert Alumnia of Barangay Polopiña, Concepcion, Iloilo
9. M/BCA “Apple” owned and piloted by Rene Villarias Eugen of Barangay Polopiña, Concepcion, Iloilo.
10. M/BCA “Dexter” owned by Marilyn Carrera and piloted by Keneth Arquio of Barangay Polopiña, Concepcion, Iloilo.
Asturias said after agreeing to pay the compromise fine, the fishermen were released from police station's lock-up cell.