TACLOBAN CITY – Over five tons of fish were distributed to hospitals and charitable institutions in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and this city after being seized from a commercial fishing vessel with disabled vessel monitoring measures (VMM) cable connection, which was caught operating within the municipal waters of Guiuan recently.

Juan Albaladejo, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-8) regional director said the Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG) 8 and the Philippine National Police- Maritime Group intercepted the said vessel during their regular seaborne operation within Leyte Gulf.

Upon inspection, they discovered that its Certificate of Clearance (COC) was expired and its VMM cable connection has been disabled.

He added that the vessel violated Section 119 (Noncompliance with Vessel Monitoring Measures) of the amended Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

If proven guilty, the vessel owner will be facing suspension or revocation of the CFV’s license and an administrative fine amounting to P500,000.

He also cited multiple violations of the Republic Act 8550 as amended by RA 10654, which have been allegedly committed by the CFV and its officers, including unauthorized fishing within municipal waters; Commercial Fishing Vessel Operators Employing Unlicensed Fisherfolk, among others.

As of this writing, the CFV is temporarily impounded at the FPLEG Guiuan substation for the proper custody and safekeeping.

The apprehending team is also conducting further investigation and preparing all the necessary documents for the filing of appropriate charges.

SOURCE: https://mb.com.ph