ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — Authorities intensified their campaign against illegal fishing as five fishermen were apprehended in separate joint seaborne patrol operations conducted within the municipal waters of Naga and Ipil, resulting in the confiscation of fishing boats, gear, and fish valued at more than ₱170,000.
The operations were carried out by the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd PMFC) of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office (ZSBPPO) under the supervision of Police Major Brent Ian S. Salazar, Officer-in-Charge, in coordination with local police units and municipal authorities.
In Naga town, a joint seaborne patrol conducted with the Naga Municipal Police Station (MPS) led to the apprehension of one fisherman caught using a prohibited mini trawl, an active fishing gear banned under local regulations. Authorities seized two engine pump boats, one motorized fishing boat, assorted fishing gear, and various fish, with an estimated total value of ₱70,500. Documentation of the operation concluded at around 3:30 p.m. The suspect was brought to Naga MPS and will face charges for violating Section 22 (Use of Active Fishing Gear) under Municipal Ordinance No. 03-11. All confiscated items were turned over to the Naga Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) and the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (MFAR) for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation in the municipal waters of Ipil, the 2nd PMFC, in coordination with the Ipil MPS, apprehended four fishermen who were allegedly engaged in illegal fishing using a method locally known as “lechon-lechon.” Confiscated during the operation were three engine pump boats, one unmarked motorized fishing boat, assorted fishing gear, and various fish, with an estimated value of ₱101,200. Documentation was completed at around 12:45 p.m. The suspects and seized items were transported to the Ipil Sea Port and subsequently turned over to the Ipil Municipal Agriculture Office, while the violators were brought to Ipil MPS and issued violation tickets for breaching Municipal Ordinance No. 08-656-2023.
Police authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting marine resources and warned that illegal fishing activities will be met with strict enforcement. They also urged fisherfolk to comply with local fishing regulations to ensure the sustainability of coastal and marine ecosystems for future generations.