Tubay, Agusan del Norte — In a coordinated operation, the PNP-Maritime Group, together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 13 – Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group, successfully apprehended five individuals for violations of the Philippine Fisheries Code (Republic Act 10654) on the night of November 20, 2025.
The suspects, identified by their aliases as “Rue,” 37, a boat captain; “Alber,” 46; “Ron,” 25; “JB,” 19; and “Lyne,” 23, were caught engaging in unauthorized fishing, illegal use of superlights or fishing light attractors, and employing unlicensed crew members, in violation of Sections 86(a), 98, and 113 of RA 10654.
Authorities confiscated a motorized fishing banca, FBca “ARJAG,” with blue and yellow-green colors, powered by a single Mitsubishi 32HP engine, valued at approximately PhP400,000. Additional items seized included a Nitro Power Generator (PhP8,000), two halogen lights (PhP1,000), a “Saplot” fishing gear set (PhP3,000), 30 kilograms of tamban (PhP600), and a metallic tube (PhP1,000). The total estimated value of the confiscated equipment and catch amounted to PhP413,600.
The arrested individuals and all recovered evidence are currently under the custody of BFAR Region 13 for proper documentation and disposition.
“The operation reflects the clear and just directive of Acting Chief PNP, PLTGEN JOSE MELENCIO C. NARTATEZ, JR., to strengthen maritime law enforcement, dismantle syndicates, and curb illegal activities that harm our marine resources while protecting the livelihoods of our fishermen,” said PNP-Maritime officials.
The PNP-Maritime Group, in partnership with BFAR, continues to pursue an aggressive campaign against illegal fishing, aiming to make the country’s maritime domain safer, better-managed, and fully protected under the guiding principle of “Serbisyong Tapat, Mabilis, at Nararamdaman.”