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CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Four fishermen were arrested Wednesday, Aug. 12, after they were caught using an air compressor as a breathing apparatus while allegedly engaged in illegal fishing activities in the waters off Sitio Maglihi, Barangay Marigondon, Cajidiocan, Romblon.
The arrest was made at 11:30 a.m. during a seaborne law enforcement operation conducted by the Cajidiocan Municipal Police Station (MPS) in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Cajidiocan.
Police said compression diving violates Municipal Ordinance No. 03-11, Section 67, which prohibits the use of air compressors for fishing and other underwater activities within the municipal waters of Cajidiocan. The use of air compressors is also barred by Republic Act No. 8550 (the 1998 Fisheries Code of the Philippines) as a safety and health hazard for fisherfolk and the impact on marine environment when it is overfished.
The arrested individuals, along with the seized equipment, were brought to the Cajidiocan MPS for documentation and preparation of the appropriate charges.
