PCG: Five fishermen in Palawan were apprehended by the Coast Guard for conducting illegal fishing activities at the vicinity waters of Cagbucao Island last Saturday, February 07.

One of the arrested fishermen, Orlando Canopin, 44, suddenly collapsed due to abnormal breathing while underway back to shore.

The Maritime Patrol (MARPAT) team composed of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Araceli and Bantay Dagat immediately changed route to nearby Paly Island and administered first aid to the fisherman. Upon gaining consciousness, he was properly turned-over to his relatives for medical check up.

Meanwhile, the rest of the fishermen were apprehended due to violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 193 series of 2009 (Ordinance Prescribing Additional Penalties for Fishing in Municipal Waters off Araceli, Palawan with the use of Compressor as breathing apparatus).

At 12:30PM of the same date, the motor bancas together with the five fishermen were brought to Araceli Port. They were also issued with an Enforcement Inspection/Apprehension Report and were immediately released after paying the administrative fines of P8,000.00 to the Municipal Treasurer’s Office of Araceli, Palawan.