4 nabbed for illegal fishing

By Paulo DS. Papa

A joint team of policemen and Bantay Dagat group operating in the waters of Cabusao, Camarines Sur arrested four fishermen for illegal fishing on Friday, May 21.

Police Executive Master Sergeant Manel Curioso, Cabusao police spokesman, identified the suspects as Reynaldo Bergunio, 61 and Renne Coner, 26, both of barangay Punta Tarawal, Calabanga town; Joan Balbero and Manny Aypa, both 39 and residents of barangay Balongay of the same town.

In an interview, Curioso told Bicol Mail that on May 21, 4:40 AM along the municipal coastal water of Cabusao, the fisherfolk from Punta Tarawal were caught fishing using very fine mesh nets called “ulod-ulod”, which is prohibited by the law.

He said the fishing device affects the marine life cycle because even the smallest fingerlings are caught.

Ten minutes after, authorities nabbed Balbero and Aypa for fishing using the same gear at the same municipal water.

Curioso disclosed that the four are facing criminal charges for illegal fishing. About 1.7 tons of assorted fish were confiscated from the suspects aside from their fishing boats.