By Benjamin Cuaresma
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Three fishermen were arrested before dawn on Sunday after authorities allegedly caught them using compressor equipment while fishing in the coastal waters of Sual town.
Police identified the suspects as unmarried men aged 41, 38, and 47, all residents of Alaminos City.
The arrests were carried out after authorities received reports about illegal fishing activities in the area.
A joint seaborne patrol team from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Sual Maritime Group immediately responded and apprehended the fishermen during the operation.
Under Pangasinan Provincial Ordinance No. 107-2003, the use of compressors as breathing apparatus for fishing is prohibited.
Authorities brought the suspects to Barangay Cabalitian Hall, where confiscated items were inventoried in the presence of barangay officials.
The fishermen were later transferred to the Sual Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Among the items seized were a motorized banca, a compressor, spear guns, improvised paddles, diving masks, flashlights, plastic compressor hoses, and around 10 kilos of assorted fish valued at approximately P2,000.
The motorized banca is now under the custody of the Sual PNP Maritime Group.
Fishery authorities continue to prohibit compressor fishing due to the serious health risks it poses to divers, including decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities also warned that the practice harms marine ecosystems, as it allows fishermen to stay underwater longer, increasing overfishing and causing damage to coral reefs.
ia/xf
