At least one person is confirmed dead, while another was wounded, after a violent scuffle erupted between operatives of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) and suspected illegal fishermen from Sagay City, Negros Occidental last Tuesday afternoon near Balidian island, part of Concepcion, Iloilo.

Police identified the fatality as Vivencio Espinosa, captain of the F/V Glory and resident of Sagay City; while the wounded was identified as Jonel Espinosa, Vivencio’s brother.

Based on initial investigations by the IPPO, Sagay City police, and the Iloilo Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station, IPPO and Bantay Dagat operatives ordered Espinosa’s fishing vessel to stop as it was allegedly engaged in illegal fishing in waters within the jurisdiction of Concepcion.

IPPO and Bantay Dagat then boarded the vessel to conduct an inspection, however, after checking with the PCG station in Sagay City, they discovered the vessel did not have documents from the Maritime Industry Authority.

A scuffle erupted between the crew and police, where Jonel was allegedly stabbed by a Bantay Dagat member.

After witnessing the incident, Vivencio jumped into the fight, but was reportedly struck in the head by a large bamboo stalk, along with being stabbed in the back.

The scuffle ended after a police officer fired a warning shot.

Both Espinosas were rushed to a private hospital in Bacolod City, where Vivencio later succumbed to his wounds.

Meanwhile, the crew of the fishing vessel denied allegations they were illegally fishing and claimed they were fishing along the Makahulom Reef, which belongs to Sagay City.

Ronilo Derder, one of the crew members, said they were surprised by the presence of law enforcement, who they claimed fired shots across the bow of their boat before shooting the steel plate of their vessel, which forced them to stop.

Police are presently investigating the incident, while the vessel and its crew are now in custody.

The crew of the fishing boat are facing charges for illegal fishing./DGB, WDJ