Penalties for Violations Based on Value of Aquatic Animals
- Violators possessing, selling, or distributing such aquatic animals face penalties depending on the total value:
- If value does not exceed ₱100:
- Fine between ₱100 and ₱500; or
- Imprisonment of 1 to 6 months; or
- Both fine and imprisonment at court's discretion.
- If value exceeds ₱100:
- Fine between ₱200 and ₱1,000; or
- Imprisonment of 2 months to 1 year; or
- Both fine and imprisonment at court's discretion.
- If value does not exceed ₱100:
Liability of Buyers and Duty to Denounce
- Persons who knowingly buy or receive such stupefied, disabled, or killed aquatic animals are punished under the same penalties.
- Buyers who denounce the vendor to authorities before apprehension are exempt from criminal liability.
- Upon discovery, buyers must report the violation within 48 hours; failure to do so results in penalties regardless of value.
Responsibility and Penalties for Officers and Authorities
- Police, peace officers, authorized fishery agents, health inspectors, and persons in authority with knowledge of the violation must initiate investigation and prosecution.
- Failure without just cause to do so or interference with investigation leads to removal or suspension and liability as co-principal in the crime.
Sampling and Examination Procedure
- Authorized officers may take samples (up to 1 kilo) of suspected aquatic animals for examination.
- A receipt specifying kind, quality, and market value of the samples must be issued.
- If found not to be stupefied or killed by prohibited means, the owner must be compensated by the government agency concerned.
- Failure of officers to submit samples timely or provide examination reports within 10 days can result in fines of up to ₱500, imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.
Effectivity
- The Act took effect upon approval on June 16, 1956.