MALUSO, Basilan — Authorities intercepted and apprehended fishing boats during a joint maritime patrol and law enforcement operation targeting alleged illegal fishing activities in the municipal waters of Maluso, Basilan, on the morning of November 13, 2026.
The operation was conducted at approximately 6:00 a.m. by the Regional Maritime Group of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (RMG BAR), through its Human Resource Management Group (HRMG BAR) and Basilan Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR)–Basilan.
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The joint operation was initiated following information received from the Community-Based Intelligence Network (CBIN) and Bantay Dagat personnel of Tamuk Island regarding alleged illegal fishing activities within Maluso’s municipal waters.
Acting on the report, the operating teams deployed aboard HSTW No. 13 and a MAFAR watercraft to conduct maritime patrol and enforcement activities in the area. The operation was led by PSMS Arthuro Van C. Hassan of HRMG BAR and Mr. Abdursul S. Sarail, team leader of MAFAR–Basilan.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of PCOL Jose Manuel C. Payos, regional chief of RMG BAR.
Authorities said the intercepted fishing boats were apprehended for alleged violations of relevant provisions of Republic Act No. 10654, which amended Republic Act No. 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as well as Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 246-1.
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Republic Act No. 10654 strengthened the country’s legal framework against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUUF) fishing by imposing stricter penalties and enforcement measures to protect fisheries and marine resources.
The interception highlights the importance of community-based maritime monitoring, particularly in coastal communities where residents and local sea-watch groups serve as an important source of information in identifying and reporting suspected illegal fishing activities.
Beyond law enforcement, operations of this nature are intended to protect municipal fishing grounds, safeguard the livelihoods of legitimate municipal fishers, and prevent the depletion of marine resources through unauthorized or destructive fishing practices.
The RMG BAR and MAFAR–Basilan emphasized their continuing commitment to strengthening maritime law enforcement, suppressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and promoting the sustainable management of Philippine waters.
However, the available operational information did not specify the number of fishing boats intercepted, the identities or number of individuals apprehended, the specific fishing methods allegedly used, or the particular violations cited against each vessel.
These details remain important in establishing the circumstances and legal basis of the apprehensions. Any alleged violations will have to be addressed through the appropriate administrative or legal proceedings.