PCG: Three fishermen, one of whom is a minor, were arrested by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Tawi-Tawi last Saturday, May 2, due to illegal fishing activities in Sitangkai Pier.

The suspects, including a 12-year old boy, were caught by the personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Sitangkai in the act of using dynamite approximately 600 yards from the Coast Guard detachment.

The sounds of explosion immediately prompted the Coast Guard personnel to launch their aluminum boat to conduct maritime patrol. Inspection onboard the unnamed motor boat revealed illegally caught fishes including several dynamite components.

The apprehended motor banca was towed back to Sitangkai Pier in Tawi-Tawi and the fishermen were invited to CGSS Sitangkai for investigation. The fishermen were identified as Hussin Alih, 50 years old, Julie Dungog, 29 years old and Danilo Alih, 12 years old all local residents of Poblacion, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi. 

The Coast Guard coordinated with Philippine National Police Maritime Group and personnel of Municipal Hall of Sitangkai for the proper turn-over of the confiscated components of dynamite fishing for safe keeping and filing of charges to the apprehended fishermen.