ILOILO — Eleven fishermen were arrested off Estancia town for using the prohibited “ring net fishing” method, in a renewed enforcement against destructive practices threatening marine resources.
Operatives of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force apprehended the group during a sea patrol on March 28, catching them in the act of using fine “ring net fishing,” locally known as “sensuro,” in the town’s coastal waters.
The suspects — composed of one boat captain and 10 crew members, all residents of Barangay Jolog, Estancia — were immediately taken into custody following the operation.
Recovered from them were three tubs of anchovy, locally called balingon, valued at around P18,000.
The confiscated catch was later donated to government penal hospitals and charitable institutions.
Authorities said the arrested fishermen are now under the custody of the Estancia Municipal Police Station and were apprised of their constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine.
The fishing vessel and its paraphernalia remain in the custody of the Bantay Dagat as legal proceedings are being prepared./PN
