By Mariela Angella Oladive
Five fishermen were arrested for dynamite fishing during a joint operation conducted by the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force on December 2 near Colebra Island in Barangay Taloto-an, Concepcion, Iloilo.
Authorities apprehended the suspects aboard F/B Angel Mie, which was piloted by Alden Pat Delos Reyes Del Rosario.
The other crew members were identified as Ricky Delos Reyes Bartolome, Persebal Del Rosario Delos Reyes, Christopher Honra Del Rosario, and Melcon Berdandino Anatolio. All are residents of Barangay Alipata, Carles, Iloilo.
The fishermen face charges under Section 92 of Republic Act 10654, which prohibits illegal fishing methods such as the use of explosives, noxious substances, or electricity to catch fish. Violators of this law may face fines ranging from PHP 30,000 to PHP 3,000,000, depending on the scale of the operation, as well as imprisonment of five to ten years.
Recovered during the operation were two kilograms of sardines, locally called tabagak, valued at PHP 300, along with fishing equipment and boat accessories.
The seized items are now under the custody of the Bantay Dagat Task Force. The fish samples will be sent to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for analysis to confirm the use of explosives.
