Two commercial fishing vessels were seized by authorities off Nicanor Zabala Reef in Roxas on Saturday while conducting illegal fishing using compressors.
A joint maritime patrol composed of the Roxas Bantay Dagat, Philippine Coast Guard and MBLT3 seized the two boats identified as F/B Virginia with 34 fishermen owned by Sherilyn Regidor and operated by Wilfredo Mapano, resident of Barangay Sta. Monica and F/B Kean Twins owned by Jennelyn Tupas and operated by Eric Villacarlos, resident of Barangay Irawan with 12 fishermen onboard.
Captain Jan Malana, Marine Batallion Landing Team-3 spokeperson, said the two boats were conducting fishing operations in violation of Article VIII section 20 of Municipal Ordinance no. 21 series of 2001 or prohibiting the use of compressor of any fishing vessel operating within the municipal waters of Roxas and Republic Act 10654 or Fisheries Code of the Philippines.
“Nakuha sa kanila ay compressor, fishing paraphernalias. They were apprehended for violation of municipal ordinance and Fisheries Code,” Malana said.
Bong Libiran, Roxas Bantay Dagat head, said on Monday that the owners paid the penalty amounting to P104,500 for the release of their fishing vessel while compressors are in the custody of Bantay Dagat.
Also on Saturday, the BFAR- Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (BFAR FPLEG) in Northen Palawan apprehended F/B Delbert 3 for illegal fishing activity in Nangalao, Linapacan using “paaling or lintig.” The fishing vessel had a crew of 68 men.
A maritime patrol led by FRO1 Chezter Carpio together with PFO Rey Templonuevo and FRO1 Mario Torres Jr., caught up with the fishing vessel and seized about 10 tons or 9,071 kilos of Dalagang Bukid.
