Boat caught using illegal fishing gear: BFAR team

A STEEL fishing boat was caught using gear that is banned within the municipal waters of Madridejos, Bantayan Island last Tuesday.

Led by Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Fishing Regulations Officer Albert Simbajon, a composite patrol team accosted Fishing Boat (FB) Doña Laura at 6 p.m. in Tangigue Island, Madridejos and arrested boat captain Enrique Mata.

The boat allegedly used a trawl net, an active type of fishing gear.

The rest of the 13 crew members were spared as the law only orders the arrest of the three highest officials on the boat. Mata and all crew members have complete fishing licenses issued by BFAR, including the boat’s registration.

The patrol team from the PNP Maritime, PNP Regional Public Safety Battalion and the Philippine Coast Guard confiscated 15 boxes of assorted fish from Mata.

These were later turned over to Madridejos Municipal Government.

BFAR filed a complaint against Mata for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 for unauthorized fishing or fishing without a permit in municipal waters and fishing with the use of active fishing gear in the municipal waters.

Municipal Trial Court in Cities Judge Romeo Bulotano ordered the release of Mata after he posted bail of P14,000 yesterday.

FB Doña Laura, based in Cadiz City, is owned by RC Vijandre and Sons Corp.

Last Dec. 14, the team intercepted FB Tristian Mar and arrested ship captain Manolito Mia for fishing during the “closed season” and using an illegal fishing gear called Danish Seine, locally known as hulbot-hulbot.

Mia was released after posting bail, but his fishing gear remains under BFAR custody.