IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Authorities arrested six individuals and confiscated nearly ₱90,000 worth of illegal fishing equipment, boats, and fish during two separate seaborne patrol operations conducted in the municipal waters of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on July 1, 2026, as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal fishing.
The operations were carried out by personnel of the Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZSB 2nd PMFC), led by Police Master Sergeant Noriel G. Laureta under the direct supervision of PLTCOL John Conrad A. Villanueva, Officer-in-Charge of the ZSB 2nd PMFC. The operations were conducted in close coordination with the Ipil Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Ipil Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO).
The first operation was launched at around 1:10 p.m., resulting in the arrest of three individuals who were allegedly caught using the prohibited fishing method locally known as “Tapsay.”
Authorities seized the following items during the operation:
- One engine pump
- One unmarked motorized fishing boat
- Fishing gear used in the illegal activity
- Assorted fish believed to have been illegally caught
The confiscated items were estimated to be worth ₱62,500.
Just twenty minutes later, at around 1:30 p.m., law enforcement teams conducted another seaborne patrol within the same municipal waters, leading to the arrest of three more individuals also caught engaging in the illegal “Tapsay” fishing method.
Recovered during the second operation were:
- One engine pump
- One motorized fishing boat
- Fishing gear
- Assorted fish
The total estimated value of the confiscated items from the second operation reached ₱27,000.
Combined, the two operations resulted in the apprehension of six suspected illegal fishers and the confiscation of fishing equipment, boats, and fish valued at approximately ₱89,500.
All six suspects are facing charges for violating Municipal Ordinance No. 08-656-2023, particularly Sections 5J.03 and 03.04, which prohibit destructive and unauthorized fishing methods within the municipal waters of Ipil.
The locally known fishing practice called “Tapsay” is prohibited due to its harmful effects on marine ecosystems and fish populations. Local authorities continue to intensify maritime patrols to deter illegal fishing activities, protect coastal resources, and ensure the sustainable livelihood of legitimate fishermen.
Police said the successful operations underscore the strong collaboration among the Philippine National Police, local government units, and municipal agriculture officials in safeguarding the municipality’s marine resources and enforcing fisheries regulations. Authorities also reiterated their warning that individuals engaged in illegal fishing activities will face appropriate legal action as enforcement efforts continue across the province.