In safeguarding our marine life and aquatic resources, the police authorities of Bacuag, Burgos, San Isidro, and Alegria, and Municipal Police Stations have arrested the four suspects for breaking the law in illegal fishing activities through separate operations under our province, yesterday.
Police Colonel Laudemer M. Laude, Provincial Director, disclosed the identities and personalities of illegal fishers: a 36-year-old male laborer who resided at Purok Quezon, Barangay Poblacion, Bacuag; 44 years old married individual, resident of Barangay Baybay, Burgos; a 35-year-old laborer from Purok 3, Barangay Tigasao, San Isidro; and 29-year-old fisherman from Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, province of Surigao del Norte.
Composed of four active municipal police stations, successfully organized the conduct of coordinated seaborne patrol operations along with the Bantay Dagat representatives who were stationed near coastal areas and continued to be our allies in keeping the province’s marine protected zones.
A total of four arrested suspects fell under police operation yesterday as part of the continued pursuit of the Marine Preservation Act, which paved the way for the implementation of effective law enforcement functions. Their apprehension was administered after being caught by responding police units while operating unlawful and unregulated fishing activity in prohibited fishing zones specifically cited at the seawaters of Sitio Siwata-Bacuag, Lakyajon Sanctuary-Burgos, Tigasao-San Isidro and San Pedro-Alegria.
Authorities discovered evidence of illegal fishing activities, including the use of unauthorized fishing gear and the possession of undersized or protected marine species. As a result, four individuals were promptly arrested on charges related to violations of fisheries regulations and Municipal Ordinance’s No’s. 005 Series of 2007, 1 Series of 2009, 2015-01, 1 Series of 2011.
In addition to the arrests, authorities seized several pieces of evidence, including four prohibited spear guns, one improvised pouch, two sea goggles, one flashlight, three sets of improvised flippers, 30 meters of plastic hose, one compressor, one fishnet approximately 35 meters long, and confiscated marine species around 16 kilograms with an estimated market value of Php2,750.00. These items will be presented as evidence in legal proceedings against the suspects, who could face significant fines and penalties if found guilty of the charges against them.
“The anti-illegal fishing operation conducted by the Surigao del Norte Police Force reaffirms the government’s commitment to combatting environmental crimes and safeguarding the rich biodiversity of the region’s coastal waters. By actively enforcing maritime laws and regulations, authorities aim to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices for future generations,” PD Laude said.
The arrested violators and confiscated fishing paraphernalia are now in the custody of their respective apprehending municipal police stations. Corresponding citations have been handed to them individually to settle their penalties in their respective Municipal Treasurer’s Offices. (Mark James Lisondra)
(Source: SDNPPO)
