"The Indonesian Navy has currently detained dozens of Filipino citizens, who were arrested while fishing in the waters of Indonesia without having valid documents," Tahuna Naval Base Commanding officer Mayor (Marine) Sutarto Wilson stated in Tahuna on Friday.
Besides the Filipino fishermen, the Indonesian Navy has also arrested several unlicensed Tahuna fishermen who were fishing in the countrys waters.
"Not only Filipino fishermen but we also detained nine fishermen from Tidore, Tahuna, who were found to not possess a license while fishing," Mayor Wilson stated.
Wilson also acknowledged that it was not easy to issue a fishing permit as the documents had to be submitted at the authoritys office in Manado or Bitung, while these fishermen were located in Sangihe.
"We are aware that it is not easy to obtain a fishing license, but any offenders must be dealt with in order to uphold the law," Wilson affirmed.
Mayor Wilson emphasized that the law must be upheld in Indonesia, so everyone must abide by all applicable regulations.
The mayor called on owners of all fishing vessels to complete the necessary paperwork prior to conducting any fishing activities.
"We hope all owners of fishing vessels will complete the required documentation, so that their fishing activities are not hindered," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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