PCG: A total of 19 fishermen were apprehended by the Coast Guard for illegal fishing along Sarangani Bay last Sunday, April 26.

The suspects were caught using an illegal fishing method, locally known as likom, where hollowed tree trunks are used to scare fishes and drive them into nets.

Reports received by Field Detachment (FD) GenSan from Mr. Gregorio Arriesgado, President of Lawis Fisherman Association, revealed that a group of fishing bancas seen conducting illegal fishing along the said bay, a protected seascape as declared by the Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB).

Immediately, the joint team composed of FD GenSan, Special Operations Unit (SOU), Coast Guard Sub Station (CGSS) Malapatan and CGSS Alabel were dispatched to conduct seaborne patrol. The team confirmed the presence of said group of boats identified as motorbanca Mother Berth, Motorbanca Pentelpen and a small boat (locally known as pakura) about two nautical miles east off Barangay Bawing, General Santos City.

Further inquiry to boat captain Manuel Polistico revealed that during the inspection, documents were presented but were on process by Municipality of Maasim.

The team apprehended the following fishermen:

1. Manuel Polistico

2. Archie Castillon

3. Carlos Galinato

4. Arnel Castillon

5. Benedicto Ali

6. Wengly Kambel

7. Ker Bulat-Ag

8. Apolinario Pakot

9. Jerom Gomez

10. John Roy Bareto

11. Bary Labao

12. Tito Takulo

13. Jomer Calderon

14. Remelito Sandigas

15. Jemboy Sandigas

16. Rannil Castillon

17. John Carl Vilantang

18. Aries John Vilantang

19. Recoberto Magtakad

The three motorbancas and said fishermen were then brought to CGSS Fishport for custody and were properly turned-over to the PAMB for proper disposition.

The boats are owned by a certain Lilibeth Gorit of Kablacan, Maasim, Sarangani Province.