The joint team of Bantay Dagat and Philippine Coast Guard in collaboration with Malapascua Business Association arrested 3 fishermen for illegal fishing within the municipal waters of Daanbantayan. The fishermen from Kawayan, Tabango, Leyte were unregistered fisherfolks which is a violation of Municipal Ordinance 98-02 and were caught fishing at Monad Shoal, a marine protected area.
Selected as the country’s first shark and ray sanctuary, Monad Shoal is the foremost dive site in Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan known as the only place in the world where thresher sharks can be seen regularly. Giant manta rays, devil rays and eagle rays are also a common sight in the area.
The apprehended fishermen will be penalized with confiscation of fishing net and administrative fine of P2,500.00 each in accordance with the aforementioned municipal ordinance. They were turned over to Daanbantayan Police Station for filing of appropriate charges.
