ALAMINOS CITY–Two suspected shark hunters were apprehended by city authorities while they here hunting their quarries within the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) here.

The suspects, Zaldy Bacqaquin, 4, and Pablo Gatan, 29, both of Barangay San Vicente, Alaminos, were arrested by members of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO)-Bantay Dagat who were conducting seaborne patrol at the HINP.

POSO chief Genaro Bacala said the suspects were spotted by his men while allegedly hunting reef sharks near the Cathedral Island.

Eight baby reef sharks, two kilos of assorted fish, and fishing gear locally known as sigay and kitang were seized from the suspects.

Milberth Ferrer, city fishery section chief, said reef sharks and other marine species have returned and continue to thrive at the HINP seven years after the administration of Mayor Hernani Braganza stopped all forms of illegal fishing in the area.

The suspects’ motorized banca named “Lemuel”, which was found to be unregistered, was also impounded at the POSO detachment at Lucap Bay.

Charges for violation of Sections 66, 76 and 80 of City Ordinance No. 2009-05, known as the Comprehensive Fisheries Code of Alaminos City, will be filed against the suspects.

“The recent apprehension is stern warning anew to illegal fishers that we remain committed in protecting our marine resources, especially the Hundred Islands National Park which serves as the prime breeding place of marine animals in the Lingayen Gulf,” said Braganza.

“If they (illegal fishers) thought they can just get away with their illegal activities, they are committing a huge mistake,” he added.

Braganza at the same time commended the vigilance and dedication of POSO-Bantay Dagat operatives for being on guard 24/7.—LM

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