The Philippine Coast Guard arrested on Sunday 19 fishermen caught using “likom,” an illegal fishing method that makes use of hollowed tree trunks to drive fishes into nets.
The fishermen were identified as Manuel Polistico, Archie Castillon, Carlos Galinato, Arnel Castillon, Benedicto Ali, Wengly Kambel, Ker Bulat-Ag, Apolinario Pakot, Jerom Gomez, John Roy Bareto, Bary Labao, Tito Takulo, Jomer Calderon, Remelito Sandigas, Jemboy Sandigas, Rannil Castillon, John Carl Vilantang, Aries John Vilantang, and Recoberto Magtakad.
They Coast Guard said the fishermen were apprehended while fishing in a protected area identified by the Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB).
They were spotted aboard motor boats Mother Berth” and “Pentelpen,” and a small boat two nautical miles off Barangay Bawing in General Santos City.
The boats are allegedly owned by a certain one Lilibeth Gorit of Kablacan in Maasim, Sarangani.
The arrested fishermen and their vessels were taken to the fish port and are now under PAMB custody.
