By Jezza A. Nepomoceno

The Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force apprehended 18 fishermen for using a Danish seine, a prohibited fishing net, off the coast of Gigantes Island in Barangay Abong, Carles, Iloilo.
Task force leader, SPO1 Jose Ronnie Panes, filed formal charges in violation of Fisheries Administrative Order 246, which bans the use of the Danish seine, locally known as Hulbot-hulbot. He also charged the assailants of obstruction of justice and unauthorized fishing.
The fishermen were caught nearly 10 kilometers off the coast of Gigantes Island earlier this week, onboard the fishing boat Bherry.
The apprehended include the pilot, Herman Tanes of Barangay Abong, Carles; crew members Levi Aragon, Jerson Belonio, Niel Solis, Joel Beraco, Richie Belonio, Benoy Oñate, Reymon Capinig, Reyman Plaza, Rey De la Cruz, Melchor Capinig, Jessie Martinez, Alfredo Cayayan, Noriel Benuman, and Ronel Solis of Barangay San Antonio, Balud, Masbate; Martin and Kenneth Gomugda of Barangay Kabalik, San Dionisio; and Michael Bantillo of Barangay Tabugon, Carles.
The fishermen were detained at the Carles Municipal Police Station and will be released after posting bail of P34,000./WDJ