ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – Authorities apprehended two fishermen and seized four pump boats in separate anti-illegal fishing operations in the municipal waters of Ipil on September 18, 2025.
The operations were conducted through a joint seaborne patrol of the Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) led by PMSg Noriel G. Laureta under the supervision of PMAJ Brent Ian S. Salazar, in coordination with the Ipil Municipal Police Station and Bantay Dagat of LGU Ipil.
The suspects were caught in the act of using the illegal fishing method locally known as “Tari-tari.” Confiscated items included:
- Two (2) engine pump boats (KAMA diesel) – ₱20,000.00
- One (1) green pump boat marked “Lucky 2” – ₱45,000.00
- One (1) unmarked pump boat (reported in different accounts as white or yellow) – ₱45,000.00
- Fishing gear used in the illegal activity – ₱35,000.00
The total estimated value of the seized property is ₱100,000.00.
All confiscated items were turned over to the Ipil Municipal Agriculture Office, while the suspects were brought to the Ipil Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. They were also issued violation tickets under Municipal Ordinance No. 08-656-2023.
Authorities underscored that the operations form part of their intensified campaign to protect marine resources and enforce laws against illegal fishing in the province.