PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — In a decisive move to protect the country’s marine resources and safeguard the livelihoods of law-abiding fishermen, the Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully apprehended an individual involved in illegal fishing during a joint seaborne operation in the coastal waters of Barangay San Pedro, Pagadian City, on February 7, 2026.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Pagadian City Police Station in close coordination with the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station (ZDS MARPSTA) following intensified maritime patrols and monitoring activities in the area. Authorities said the operation was part of the PNP’s continuing campaign against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
During the operation, law enforcers intercepted and confiscated a Bagnet fishing boat locally known as “Tapay-Tapay,” painted white and blue, which was allegedly being used for illegal fishing activities. Also seized was an Isuzu 6VG engine with a defaced serial number, raising suspicions of possible involvement in other unlawful activities, along with various fishing paraphernalia.
Police authorities estimated the combined value of the seized vessel and equipment at approximately ₱2.75 million.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released pending further investigation, was immediately taken into custody along with the confiscated items. All evidence is now under the control of the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station for proper documentation, investigation, and legal disposition.
Chief of the Philippine National Police, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., underscored that the successful operation reflects the PNP’s firm commitment to protecting the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
“Illegal fishing is not just a violation of the law; it directly affects the livelihoods of honest fishermen and the sustainability of our marine resources. Hindi natin hahayaan na abusuhin ang ating karagatan,” PGen. Nartatez Jr. said. “The PNP will continue to act decisively, swiftly, and fairly to protect our people and the nation’s resources.”
Authorities noted that illegal fishing practices damage coral reefs, deplete fish populations, and threaten food security, particularly in coastal communities that rely heavily on fishing for income and sustenance. They stressed that strict enforcement of maritime laws is crucial to ensuring long-term environmental protection and economic stability.
The operation also highlighted the strengthened coordination between local police units and maritime authorities in securing coastal waters and preventing environmental crimes. Through regular patrols and intelligence-sharing, the PNP aims to deter illegal fishing operations and improve maritime law enforcement in the region.
Meanwhile, the PNP urged residents of coastal communities to remain vigilant and actively participate in protecting marine resources by promptly reporting suspicious activities at sea to the nearest police station or maritime authorities.
“This is a shared responsibility,” police officials said. “With the cooperation of the community, we can stop illegal fishing and ensure that our seas remain productive for future generations.”
The PNP reiterated its commitment to intensifying maritime patrols and law enforcement operations across Zamboanga del Sur and neighboring provinces as part of its broader effort to uphold environmental laws and protect the country’s natural resources.