The controversial former security chief of the Cebu Provincial government filed charges against the owner and 55 crew members of two fishing vessels that disappeared while under police custody in Daanbantayan town three weeks ago.
Loy Anthony Madrigal, also the former head of Capitol’s task force on anti-illegal fishing, personally went to the Cebu Provincial Prosecutors Office to bring the case documents yesterday morning.
Aside from violating section 90 of Republic Act 855) and section 10 of the Cebu Provincial Ordinance 2012-05 for fishing in the town’s municipal waters, he said the men must be also be held liable for “stealing the boats.”
Madrigal with Bantay Dagat members from Sta. Fe, Daanbantayan and Bantayan flagged the two vessels — FV John Patrick 858 and FB Dan Anton during a joint operation last Oct 5.
However, the group was released from jail since authorities were not able to file charges against them by Oct. 9.
On that same day, the vessels which were were anchored 300 meters from the shore in front of the Daanbantayan police station and Bantay Dagat office, were reported missing.
Madrigal tendered his resignation last Sept. 18 following a series of controversies, which included a rumored relationship with his married female secretary and a car accident that led to the death of a man in Bogo City.
Madrigal claimed that illegal fishing became more rampant following his resignation from the provincial government. But now that he’s back as a consultant of Bantay Dagat, he said the situation has improved.