P92K worth of blasted fish seized

About 1,160 kilos of blasted fish estimated at P92,800 were confiscated by the Philippine Coastguard and the Philippine Navy at 11:30 p.m.  Sunday at Pier 4 in Cebu City.

The two agencies conducted the inspection after receiving a tip that F/BCA Christopher was transporting dynamited fish.

Authorities found 55 boxes and 3 basins of fish inside the storage area of the motorboat.

BFAR-7 Regional Director Andres Bojos said that the internal organs of the fish are all bleeding, an obvious manifestation that they were captured through dynamite fishing.

They learned that the boat came from Palawan and is owned by Christopher Compa from La Paz, Leyte.

Elvie Flores, officer-in-charge of the Fisheries Regulatory and Law Enforcement said the fish were supposed to be brought to Pasil Fish Market.

However, they have not identified the consignee of the blasted fish.

The crew members refused to give more details about their business in Cebu.

Investigation showed that the boat is not registered and the boat captain, only known as Renato, does not even have a license.

Scoop nets, compressors, flippers and iron bars were found inside the boat.

The confiscated fish will be donated to public hospitals, jails and orphanage.

The boat captain and the chief engineer identified as Engr. Leo Valenzuela will be charged.

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