LEGAZPI CITY –– Nine fishermen were arrested for using homemade explosives while fishing off the waters of Pio Duran town in Albay province on Wednesday, a police report said Thursday.
Albay police spokesperson Captain Dexter Panganiban said in the report that they arrested Gilbert Guerra, Jomar Dela Rosa, Robert, Jonel, and Andy Paul, all surnamed Labrusto, Anthony Cañete, Ivan Barill, and Angel Gidoc; and Edgar Balanbang, all residents of Sorsogon province.
Task Force Bantay Dagat (anti-illegal fishing) operatives also confiscated over 14 tubs containing illegally caught fish locally known as “lopoy” (Sardinilla) with an estimated value of P14,500.
The task force intercepted the small scale fishing vessel and the illegally caught fish when the suspects docked at the town seaport around 7:45 a.m.
The vessel was impounded, while the suspect would face charges for illegal fishing with the use of explosives.