Dynamite fishermen arrested
FOR allegedly using dynamites in their fishing operation, police arrested four fishermen in the seawaters off Barangay Maya, Daanbantayan, Cebu last Thursday morning.
The fishermen were identified as Regan Montana, 31, Franklin Lanchinebre, 21, Jessie Dublin, 21, and Manases, 26, police said.
Seized from them were a compressor (a breathing apparatus), two rolls of hose, two paddles and three spears.
The fisherman’s motorboat was also held by authorities. In the same barangay, a 45-year-old fisherman was caught throwing dynamites last Wednesday afternoon.
Police identified him as Eduardo Cañete, a resident of Sitio Purgason, Barangay Maya.
A team led by PO1 Cleo Bohol together with two volunteers recovered five kilos of fish from the suspect.
Dynamite fishing is prohibited under Section 12 of Republic Act 4003, or the Fisheries Act.
“The use of dynamite or other explosives for the stupefying, disabling, killing or taking of fish or other aquatic animals, or under water for any purpose except in the execution of bona fide engineering work and the destruction of wrecks or obstructions to navigation; or the gathering by any means of the fishes or other aquatic animals stupefied, disabled or killed by the action of dynamite or other explosives shall be unlawful,” it says.
The law punishes the vio- lators with a fine ranging from P1,500 to P5,000, and by imprisonment of one year and six months to five years. The violators’ explosives, boats and other apparatus will also be confiscated, the law says.
In Barangay Punta Engaño, LapuLapu City, two women were arrested for illegally acquiring corals yesterday.
Irene Pagobo, 47, and Cherry Mae Inoc, 20, will be charged for illegal fishing or taking of rare, threatened or endangered species if they fail to reveal the persons that made them do it.
SPO1 Jomar Ybañez, head of Task Force Kalikasan, said they rushed to Sitio Buot at 2 p.m. after they received reports from a resident.
He said the corals are in demand in China.
The seized corals are estimated to cost P200,000. It was turned over to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office of Lapu-lapu City.