General Santos City — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region XII has intensified its crackdown against the illegal entry of exotic species after seizing forty-three (43) live Red Piranha during a land-based operation at the Bulaong Terminal on November 25, 2025.
The Enforcement and Regional MCS Operation Center (ERMCSOC) launched the operation following verified intelligence that a shipment of live piranha was en route from Cagayan de Oro aboard a Rural Transit bus. Acting swiftly, a team led by Fisheries Regulation Officer II Jose Andrew A. Abello, together with Senior Fisheries Regulation Officer Edison Pesario of the Regional Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit (RFIQU), conducted surveillance and follow-up inspections.
At around 5:40 a.m., authorities intercepted a Transit Bus at the Joint Task Force Checkpoint in Bulaong Terminal. Upon inspection, containers inside the cargo area were found to contain the suspected exotic fish. A total of 43 live Red Piranha were confirmed and confiscated on site.
In accordance with data privacy protocols, BFAR withheld the identity of the consignee, a minor, who admitted to purchasing the piranhas as pets, unaware that possession of the species is illegal. Documents also identified a shipper from Cagayan de Oro and a receiver based in General Santos City.
The confiscation constitutes violations of Fisheries Administrative Order No. 126 (1979), which strictly bans the possession or importation of live piranha, and Section 124 of Republic Act 8550, as amended by RA 10654, which penalizes non-compliance with regulations governing foreign and exotic aquatic species.
BFAR personnel completed the necessary legal documentation, issued Fishery Law Enforcement Forms, and provided an Information Education Campaign (IEC) briefing on the legal and ecological consequences of keeping prohibited species.
In a statement, BFAR RFO 12 reiterated that keeping, breeding, or trading piranhas is illegal and poses a serious threat to local aquatic ecosystems should the species be released or escape into the wild. The agency urged the public to immediately report similar activities to BFAR RFO 12 to help prevent environmental risks linked to exotic species.
BFAR stressed that its strengthened enforcement operations will continue as part of its mandate to protect local fisheries, biodiversity, and public safety.