Molina ordered to identify “padrino”
NON-STOP DELIVERIES OF DYNAMITED FISH
DAGUPAN CITY—Someone is facilitating the regular delivery of dynamited fish to the city despite efforts of city hall to stop it.
This became evident after two truckloads of dynamited fish were again intercepted June 28 early morning.
The recent seizure prompted Mayor Belen T. Fernandez to direct City Agriculturist Emma Molina to identity the “protector” after ordering an investigation into the report that someone “influential” in the city is acting as “padrino” in behalf of illegal fishers.
One indication established by the authorities of the existence of such a “padrino” was the use of the same truck driver already arrested in the past for delivering a cargo of dynamited fish.
“There is no such thing as “protector” in Dagupan. Ang ciudad mismo will be your protector for as long as you are not violating any law,” Fernandez said.
On June 28 at 1:55 a.m., the city hall was tipped off by a concerned citizen of a scheduled delivery of two truckloads of scads fish (galunggong) to the city.
The joint elements of Philippine National Police Maritime, Dagupan City PNP and the members of the Bantay Ilog of the city proceeded to the reported unloading area where they saw the two elf trucks loaded with fish.
City Agriculture Office fish examiner John Patrick Dizon examined the cargo and confirmed that the galunggong were caught with the use of dynamite.
The team arrested Romeo Rabara of Pudoc, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur; and Judy Cortes of Puro Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, and booked them for violation of Section 88, paragraph 4 of Republic Act no. 8850, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code.
Some 5.2 tons of galunggong contained in 134 plastic containers were also confiscated.
Molina identified Rabara as the same driver who had been previously arrested for the same offense in the past.
The police already filed a case against Rabara and Cortes before the city prosecutor’s office and were released after posting bail of P4,000.
Molina said that this is now the fourth or fifth case filed by the PNP against offenders in violation of the same law since May this year. –CIO/Joseph C. Bacani
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