Friday the 13th proved to be unlucky for the 12 fishing boats in Concepcion, Iloilo.

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force apprehended 12 fishing boats last April 13, 2012, a Friday, for conducting illegal fishing activities in the municipal waters of Concepcion.

Friday the 13th is considered a bad luck in Western superstition.

The apprehended fishing boats were identified as: FB Jacent Chris owned by Freddie Gabo, FB Harel owned by Rolando Arbigoso, FB John Paul owned by Herminio Arbigoso, FB Joy owned by Melvin Salvaria, FB Dobi owned by Dindo Salvaria, FB Johgie owned by Johnel Baceuso, FB PLC owned by Ronel Navarro, FB BL owned by Romulo Patente, FB Rena owned by Jessie Mahinay, FB Hacel owned by Herminiano Arbigoso, FB Bea owned by Bernardo Badiango and FB Mis owned by Mae Salvaria.

The fishing boats, all based in Concepcion, were using medium trawl fishing which is considered illegal under sections 86, 89, 90, and 104 of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code.

The Bantay Dagat operatives confiscated the boats' fishing paraphernalia while appropriate charges are being readied against the owners and the crew.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, who was tasked by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. to spearhead the anti-illegal fishing campaign, said the latest apprehensions simply shows that the province is serious in its bid to eradicate illegal fishing activities in the province.

He said the Provincial Bantay Dagat is steadfast in its commitment to run after illegal fishing activities despite the attempts of some politicians and illegal fishing operators to destroy them.*