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Tuesday, august 1, 2017
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ILOILO – A complaint for violation of the nationwide ban on Danish seine (hulbot-hulbot) has been filed yesterday against two high-ranking officials of fishing boat Nene Karen-IV at the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Owner Policarpio Bonapus of Estancia, Iloilo and pilot Ruben de la Cruz of Carles were charged with violation of Section 86 of Republic Act 10654 (Philippine Fisheries Cod) and Fisheries Administrative Order 246 after they were apprehended on July 3o.
The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force intercepted fishing boat Nene Karen-IV, manned by 16 fishermen, engaging in Danish seine fishing 7.9 kilometers from the shoreline of Barangay Punta Carles, Carles, Iloilo.
Senior Police Officer 1 Jone Ronie Panes said they seized the fishing boat including its two engine units, shafting, propeller, rudder, mechanical winch, tom weight, scaring lines, Danish seine fishing nets, and eight tubs of assorted fishes.
Panes urged the public to report immediately any hulbot-hulbot fishers they can spot operating near their area so they can arrest and take appropriate legal actions.
The task force has apprehended and filed appropriate charges against 10 hulbot-hulbot operators since September 2016.
Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. led the recognition of the task force on its relentless campaign against illegal fishing during yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony at the provincial capitol.
The commendation came from Visayas Deputy Ombudsman Paul Elmer Clemente, Atty. Antonio Oposa Jr., retired Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide Jr., Durwood Zaelke of the Institute of Governance and Sustainable Dev’t, and Andrew Raine of United Nation’s Environment.
Part of the citation stated: “Their sleepless nights – away from home and loved ones – to guard the Visayan Sea deserves no less than the brightest spotlight of recognition by a grateful people.”
“The efforts of the task force to strictly enforce fishery laws have immensely contributed to the waning of illegal fishing activities. It has also significantly improved the condition of marine habitats and the livelihood of the often-disadvantaged small fishermen,” it added. (Jezza Nepomoceno, Iloilo Capitol/PN)
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