Three persons were arrested after they were allegedly caught fishing inside a marine sanctuary within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape off Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental.
The Negros Occidental Maritime Police Station-San Carlos said the suspects were apprehended during a joint seaborne patrol off Brgy. Poblacion.
The operation was conducted with personnel of the Negros Oriental Maritime Police Station, Special Operations Team of the Regional Maritime Unit-Negros Island Region, and Vallehermoso Municipal Police Station.
Authorities said the three were found actively fishing within the protected area.
They were arrested for alleged violation of Section 101 of Republic Act 10654, which prohibits fishing in marine protected areas, fishery reserves, refuges and sanctuaries.
Police said the operation formed part of continuing maritime enforcement efforts within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape.
The suspects were brought under police custody for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges.*
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