BY EUGENE Y.ADIONG
BACOLOD City – Five fishermen from Barangay Lanas, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo were caught trying to sell 30 saltwater milkfish breeders at the fishing port in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental.
Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code prohibits the capture of fish used for spawning except if these are used for scientific purposes.
Bantay Dagat operatives of the town identified the fishermen as Ricky Billones, Randy Billones, Romy Billones, Noriel Amante and Bradley Caniel.
Ricky Billones told Bantay Dagat operatives they caught the milkfish breeders or sabalo while fishing off the coast of Baratoc Nuevo.
The milkfish were part of 100 kilos of various fishes the group were trying to sell.
“We thought it was just all right to sell them,” said Ricky Billones, “we do not know it is unlawful to catch them. We’re sorry.”
The fishermen face charges for violating Republic Act 8550.
They were detained at the EB Magalona municipal police office after their arrest./PN
