P3.2-M of Illegally Caught Fishes and Other Endangered Species Seized in Palawan

May 24: A ship carrying illegally caught fish and other endangered species worth P3.2 million was seized as it headed to Manila, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday, May 23.

The PCG said the Merchant Vessel Alejandra, which was carrying about 200 fish tubs, left Linapacan in Palawan on May 19 en route to Delpan Wharf when combined elements of the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) seized the ship the next day.

The PCG said that of the 162 tubs that were examined, 79 were filled with fish that were caught through dynamite fishing. Another tub was filled with stingrays and sharks.

The tubs that contained fish caught through legal and accepted means were turned over to the concerned consignees. The others that came from dynamite fishing were given to charitable institutions.

The confiscated endangered species are subjected to further investigation and disposition, the PCG said.

The Coast Guard Medical Service arrived in Delpan and conducted an initial check-up on the 10 crew members who were brought to Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center for final physical and medical examination.

Source: Manila Times