By Edalyn B. Acta
A total of 15 individuals were arrested in an anti-illegal fishing operation off the waters of Olotayan Island in Roxas City.
Police Officers Gabriel Gorcino and Reynold Benid of the Roxas City Police Station and Mark Araw-Araw of the Roxas City Bantay Dagat Task Force apprehended fishing vessel Salvador and its 15 crew members last March 31, 2026.
The fishing vessel and its crew violated City Ordinance No. 16-2003, specifically Section 27, which prohibits commercial fishing within city waters, and Section 73, which covers unauthorized fishery.
Confiscated during the operation were 1,000 kilograms of assorted fish valued at P150,000 and fishing nets worth approximately P400,000.
Authorities also impounded the fishing boat allegedly owned by a resident of the Municipality of Pilar. The estimate value of the fishing boat is P600,000 while its Mitsubishi Fuso 6D14 engine is valued at P100,000.
The confiscated items and the impounded fishing boat are now under the custody of the Roxas City Fisheries and Agriculture Office for proper disposition.
The 15 men were later released, but will have corresponding penalties in accordance with the city ordinance.
