LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 1 (PNA) -- Members of the Magallanes Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Sorsogon arrested four persons fishing with the use of a compressor and without a permit to operate within the territorial seawater of Barangay Biton, Magallanes, Sorsogon at about 3:40 a.m. Friday.
Arrested were Ramy G. Montuerto, Jackson D. Roma, Melchor P. Hopio and Hopio’s 17-year-old son -- all residents of Barangay Aguinaldo, Bulan, Sorsogon.
The police confiscated from them one motorized banca with 16HP Briggs engine, two flow air compressor, two paddles and assorted species of fish weighing 22 kilos.
The suspects are facing charges for violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 20-2005 of Magallanes, Sorsogon (Declaring the Illegal and Total Banning of Air Compressor Used as Breathing Apparatus) and violation of RA 10654 amending RA 8550.
The case was referred to the Provincial Prosecutors Office, Hall of Justice, Sorsogon City, through inquest proceedings against the suspects, except the minor Hopio whose case was held in abeyance pending the result of child study report. (PNA) CTB/FGS/EMC/CBD/RSM