Pinoys dominate foreigners in Siargao int’l anglers’ tilt

By Erwin M. Mascariñas
Correspondent .

Pilar, Siargao Island — Filipino anglers dominated the Pacific waters in Siargao Island against their foreign competitors taking home three of the five top spots during the recently concluded 12th International Game Fishing Tournament in the town of Pilar in Siargao Island. 

The three-day international tournament, that kicked last Friday, was participated by 51 anglers from eight countries all competing for the biggest open waters catch. 19 foreigners competed for the tournament representing Poland, Egypt, USA, Japan, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Singapore.

The 32 Filipino anglers that joined the event came from Manila, Bacoor City, Bacolod City, Butuan City, Muntinlupa City, Iloilo City, Lapu-lapu City, Mandaue City, Cebu City, Surigao City, Quezon City, Davao City, General Santos City, and locals from Siargao Island.

“For the biggest Sailfin category; Buenaventura Guerso Jr of Bacoor, Cavite took home the grand prize for the 3.50 kilos Sailfish or locally known as liplipan with the cash prize of P40,000. Then Sotenes Aparente of Pilar town in Siargao followed 31.50 kilos then Muhammad Aboushahin of Egypt with 30.40 kg,” said Josephine Egay, officer-in-charge of the provincial tourism office of Surigao del Norte.

“Other Filipino’s who took the awards are Dullfuss Nollora from Butuan City who won P25,000 for the biggest Giant Trevally category with his 6.60 kilos catch and Marfin Tan of General Santos City who won P25,000 for the Biggest other fish category for his 13.30 kilos catch,” added Egay.

Egay stated that the two other categories, Largest Tangigue or Wahoo and Largest Dorado or Mahi-mahi were won by foreigners who each took P25,000.

“Greg Laude from the United States won largest Tangigue category while Jose Marl Lonzon of Singapore won the Largest Dorado category. Lonzon was 2018 champion,” said Egay.

“An over-all champion was also declared, namely William Que of Mandaue City, based on his combined catch for the entire competition, although he was not given any cash money, he was given a plaque for the merit for his total of 80.85 kilos combined catch during the three-day event,” Egay said.