Coast Guard Sub-Station Tamban together with personnel from Bantay Dagat of Agay Ayan, Tinambac and Brgy. Denrica, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur seized illegal fishers using a homemade explosive locally known as “Bigas-bigas” at vicinity waters off Lamit Bay and Simaron Island in Camarines Sur yesterday, June 29.

Said team was conducting seaborne patrol in the area when they sighted two unnamed fishing bancas with five personnel onboard conducting illegal fishing.

Apprehended fishers were identified as Regie Singson, 21 years old; Sonny De Guzman, 37 years old; Jhon Carlo Corteza, 22 years old; Joel Corteza, 22 years old; and Jose Corteza, 29 years old, all residents of Brgy. Somaoy, Garchitorina, Camarines Sur.

The team confiscated the fishing bancas together with four blasting caps and sets of compressors that were used in the activity.

Moreover, apprehended fishermen were turned over to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for filing of appropriate charges for violating Section 92 of Republic Act 10654 (fishing through explosives, noxious or poisonous substance or electricity) while confiscated items were temporarily under the custody of CGSS Tamban for safe keeping.