By I. Inojales, Marisol Bo-oc | 01:04 PM July 19, 2025
PRES. CARLOS P. GARCIA, BOHOL — In a continuing effort to protect Bohol’s marine resources, three fishermen were arrested on Friday morning, July 18, for engaging in illegal fishing activities off the coast of island barangay of Gaus, this town.
Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Pitogo Sub-Station, along with Task Force Kalikupan (Bantay Dagat), caught the men in the act of using the banned fishing method locally known as “liba-liba”, during a routine seaborne patrol at around 9:20 a.m.
The suspects were identified as Joseph Simbahon, 34; Noe Cutamora, 43; and Brian Manay, 23 —all residents of Barangay Malingin, Bien-Unido.
According to the PCG, the men tried to flee upon spotting authorities, prompting a hot pursuit that led to their arrest at around 9:30 a.m.
The suspects were later turned over to the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Police Station for proper disposition. Police confirmed that they had been informed of their rights in Cebuano, including their constitutional and anti-torture protections.
Confiscated from the suspects were a grey and crystal green pump boat powered by three 20HP PROQUIP engines, an estimated 7 kilos of assorted fish worth P750, and a 10-meter scaring device (hugay) used for liba-liba fishing.
Authorities estimate the total value of the seized paraphernalia at around P100,000.
The three fishermen will face administrative fines of P5,000 each, as stipulated under Municipal Ordinance No. C-004, which bans liba-liba fishing in local waters.
