STA, CRUZ, Zambales – The newly created Zambales Inter- Agency Task Force on Environment Protection arrested 10 persons found illegally fishing within the water territories of Barangay Malabago here in this town.
Police operatives led by Major Virgilio Carodan, head of 302nd Maritime Police Station based in Iba, Zambales, along with Police Major Randy Mendoza, head of Sta Cuz PNP, and elements of the Philippine Coast Guard were conducting seaborne patrol operations against illegal fishing when they spotted the 10 fishermen on board five motor bancas illegally fishing.
The arrested suspects were identified as Dante Ilaya y Botali, Randy Menguito y Abogade, Guillermo Tagabe y Erezo, Jeff rey Cruz y Arizo, Jerry Taneo y Gelig, Bon Jovi Enoc y Taneo, Wilmer Abesia y Amorin, Ryan Torivillas y Aracan, Jessie Villanueva y Salmeron, and Marlon Tabat y Pacheco, all residents of Sitio Riverside, Barangay Lipay, Sta Cruz, town.
Confiscated from the suspects were five air compressors with complete accessories, five motorized bancas, and assorted fishing paraphernalia used in illegal activities.
All suspects were placed under the custody of Sta. Cruz PNP and will be charged for violation of Provincial Ordinance No. 2006-02 Series of 2006 (Banning the use of air compressor in fishing).
