TACLOBAN CITY- Upholding the Bureau’s mandate to protect the fisheries and aquatic resources of our country most especially in Eastern Visayas, BFAR 8 Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group continues to intensify its campaign against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing ( IUUF) activities. As a result of its coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard ( PCG) in the region, four (4) commercial ring-netters were apprehended within the waters of Ormoc City on or around 3 p.m. of June 15, 2019.
The said violators whose residence are in Albuera, Leyte have allegedly transgressed Sections 86 (Unauthorized Fishing), 95 (Use of Active Gear in Municipal Waters, Bays and other Fishery Management Areas) ,and 121 (Use of Unlicensed Gear) of the Philippine Fisheries Code or RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654.
If proven guilty, the highest three officers of the three (3) small-scale fishing vessels and one (1) medium-scale fishing vessel will be facing an administrative fine of P50,000 to P1M. Consequently, they will be punished with an imprisonment of two(2) to six(6) years.
The apprehending team has also confiscated four (4) sets of ring nets worth P4 M from the said fishing vessels. Withal, the 120 kilogram-seized fish catch with an estimate market value of P9,000 has been donated to Ormoc District Hospital for proper disposition.
These violators has been brought to Ormoc City Port for proper documentation.
Currently, BFAR 8 FPLEG is preparing necessary documents for filing of appropriate cases against these alleged violators.