BY MA THERESA LADIAO
ANTIQUE – Seven fishermen were apprehended for violating Sebaste town’s anti-illegal fishing ordinance.
The individuals apprehended at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday, April 8, in Barangay Callan, Sebaste were identified as:
* Julio Sardañas, 62, boat captain of F/B VONLET, and a resident of Barangay Nauring, Pandan, Antique
* Allan Delos Santos, 39, a boat mechanic from Barangay Sto. Rosario, Pandan
* Dioscoro Balbutin, 26, of Barangay Bagong Bayan, Pandan
* Alger Dela Cruz, 31,
* Lupoldo Cangeyda, 54,
* Crisostomo Atillano Jr., 29, and
* Joe Arth Amor, 36, all residents of Barangay Nauring, Pandan.
Among the confiscated items were one motor banca valued at P400,000, fishing equipment valued at P250,000, and around 30 kilograms of tamban fish worth P1,000.
According to Police Captain Felimon Espinosa, station chief of the Antique Maritime Police, they violated Article VI, Sec. 30, of Sebaste Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-09, which prohibits the use of active gear in the municipal sea waters in relation to Republic Act 10654, amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
Espinosa said the seven fishermen were apprehended through a seaborne patrol operation, during which they were found engaged in prohibited activities without the necessary permit.
The operation was carried out with support from the Sebaste Municipal Police Station, led by Captain Fritz Padroncillo.
Meanwhile, the apprehended individuals have settled the administrative penalties imposed by the concerned authorities./PN
