120 kilos of blasted fish seized in La Union

SAN JUAN, La Union – Some 120 kilos of round scad or galunggong supposedly from blast fishing operations were intercepted by authorities while being transported in a truck in a checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay Ili Sur yesterday.

Senior Inspector Juanito Buaron, Jr., San Juan police chief, identified the driver and owner of the cargo as Frederick Rapisura, 38, of Barangay Poro, Masingal, Ilocos Sur.

Based on initial investigation, the Isuzu Elf truck with license plate number ADK 1633 was south-bound when it was intercepted.

Buaron said the fish samples from the three crates were examined by municipal agriculturist Margarita C. Santiago, who found signs and indications of blast or dynamite fishing.

The seized fish, with a market value of around R20,000 were distributed to charitable institutions. Rapisura was sanctioned.

Meantime in Laguna, three fishing boats and its crewmembers were apprehended by the Fisheries Law Enforcement Group (FLEG) of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 4-A (BFAR 4A) and Bantay Lawa of Laguna for utilizing an illegal fishing method in Laguna Lake the other day. Apprehended were Roberto Aragones, skipper of F/B Maldita, Nico A. Llido, captian of F/B Maldita Dos and Frederick B. Lencio, captain of F/B Ruzzel.

Authorities on Monday detected the three fishing boats using motorized push net or ‘suro’, an illegal based on existing laws. (with a report from Danny J. Estacio)