Six fishermen who were allegedly caught red-handed while engaging in dynamite fishing have been arrested by joint forces from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP-MG) in Ternate, Cavite, it was revealed Tuesday, Nov. 15.
The PCG identified the suspects as Acer Conjelado, 40, boat captain; and boat crew members Arnel Montecalvo, 49; Robert Orqueza, 35; Nikko Antiojo, 23; Albert Conjelado, 45; and Jaymar Orqueza, 25. They are all residents of Brgy. Labac, Naic, Cavite.
Accordingly, the joint PCG and PNP teams were conducting maritime security patrol off Carabao Island in Ternate town last Nov. 10 when they saw a “suspicious” fishing boat named “Sky Jay”.
The troops approached the fishing banca and the fishermen could no longer do anything when they were subjected to an inspection.
The PCG said they found onboard the banca six homemade dynamites attached to 750 mL bottles with an air compressor.
The fishermen were brought to a police station as they face charges for violation of Sec. 92 (Fishing through explosives, noxious, or poisonous substance, or electricity) of Republic Act 10654 which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
The use of dynamite and other destructive methods in fishing is prohibited under the law as it destroys corals, the home of fishes which contributes to their reproduction, and other marine life.
“The PCG Station Cavite remains active in seaborne patrols to suppress illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing and other lawless activities in their area of responsibility,” the Coast Guard assured the public.