Fishermen caught fishing with the use of explosives in the municipal coastal waters of Linapacan, Palawan last week are now facing charges for violating fishery laws.
The regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said that their Fisheries Resource Protection Group (FRPG) in Northern Palawan led by FIRO 1 Chezter Carpio with Provincial Fishery Officer, Senior Fishing Regulations Officer (SFRO) Rey Templonuevo and their team apprehended the violators during a seaborne patrol operation some eight nautical miles from the shoreline of Bagambangan Island in Linapacan town.
The fishermen and the fish catch of some 5 tons of dalagang bukid were onboard in an unmarked and unregistered, green colored commercial fishing vessel owned by a resident of Brgy. Wawa, Nasugbo, Batangas.
“The Fish Examiner of the team conducted a scientific fish examination on the fish samples from the fish catch and was found out to be positively caught through the use of explosives,” the BFAR said.
They further said that the fishermen have violated the provisions of the Republic Act 8550 as amended by the Republic Act 10654 or the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.
“The offenders will be charged in violation of Section 92. Fishing Through Explosives, Noxious or Poisonous Substance, or Electricity for using improvised explosives in conducting fishing operation, Section 86a (par. 1). Unauthorized Fishing for fishing without license/permit from the Department, and Section 113. Commercial Fishing Vessel Operators Employing Unlicensed Fisherfolk, Fish Worker or Crew of RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654. They will also be charged in violation of Provincial Ordinance No. 819 as amended by Provincial Ordinance No. 1643. Banning the Use of Compressor in Fishing at Waters of Palawan. Once again, the Bureau would like to remind our fisherfolk that fishing with the use of explosives are strictly prohibited and punishable by law,” the BFAR said.
The BFAR has urged the public to report any illegal fishing activities to the FRPG Mimaropa Hotline no. 09308806678 and become their partner on the protection and conservation of our fisheries and aquatic resources.
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