ZAMBOANGA CITY, December 4, 2024 — A joint operation conducted by the Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station (ZC MARPSTA), Human Resource Management Unit (HRMU) 9, and INTERPOL successfully apprehended an illegal fishing vessel on December 3, 2024, in the waters of Barangay Arena Blanco.
The operation, part of the nationwide initiative OPLAN MAHARLIKA 4, led to the arrest of two individuals for violating Section 113 of Republic Act 10654, which penalizes commercial fishing vessel operators who employ unlicensed fisherfolk, fishworkers, or crew.
Authorities reported that the vessel was conducting illegal fishing activities in the area, compromising the livelihoods of local fisherfolk and breaching maritime regulations. The two arrested individuals are now facing charges with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region IX.
The apprehended vessel and its crew were escorted to ZC MARPSTA for proper documentation and legal proceedings. The successful operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to enforce maritime laws and protect the country’s marine resources.
OPLAN MAHARLIKA 4 is a coordinated campaign to address illegal fishing practices and ensure sustainable fisheries in the Philippines. The authorities have reiterated their warning to commercial fishing operators to adhere strictly to the law, as intensified monitoring and operations will continue in coastal areas.
Further investigations are underway to identify other potential violations related to the apprehended vessel’s activities.