Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte — A joint seaborne law enforcement operation off the waters of Dipolog City on December 30 led to the arrest of a fisherman and the seizure of a commercial fishing vessel allegedly employing unlicensed fish workers.
The operation was launched at around 3:30 p.m. by personnel of the Mabuhay Special Boat Crew (SBC) of the 5th Special Operations Unit of the PNP Maritime Group, working closely with the 901st Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 and the Zamboanga del Norte 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company. Authorities conducted the patrol at coordinates LAT 8.9051 and LONG 123.3338.
According to the PNP Maritime Group, the apprehended vessel was found in violation of Section 113 of Republic Act No. 10654, which prohibits the hiring of unlicensed fish workers on commercial fishing boats. The confiscated vessel is estimated to be worth approximately ₱1.9 million.
The arrested individual and the seized watercraft remain under the custody of the Mabuhay SBC–PNP Maritime Group for proper documentation and legal disposition. Authorities said the case will be formally filed before the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Adjudication Board, in accordance with prevailing fisheries laws and regulations.
Law enforcement officials reiterated their commitment to protecting the country’s marine resources by ensuring strict compliance with fisheries regulations and curbing illegal fishing activities across local waters.