Authorities have apprehended two individuals in separate anti-illegal fishing operations in the coastal province of Zamboanga del Norte, highlighting the intensified efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to safeguard marine resources and protect the livelihoods of legitimate fisherfolk.
In the first operation conducted on March 4, 2026, personnel from the Sibuco Municipal Police Station, in coordination with Bantay Dagat and the Municipal Transport Office, arrested a 53-year-old man caught fishing without the required license in the municipal waters of Barangay Kamarangan in the coastal town of Sibuco.
Authorities seized an unregistered fishing boat valued at approximately ₱200,000, along with around 50 kilograms of assorted fish estimated to be worth ₱80,000. The suspect and the confiscated items were subsequently turned over to the Municipal Fisheries Officer for proper documentation and disposition as authorities prepare to pursue the appropriate charges.
A day later, on March 5, another operation led by the Jose Dalman Municipal Police Station, in partnership with the Municipal Fish Warden, resulted in the arrest of a 44-year-old man in the coastal waters of Barangay Poblacion in Jose Dalman.
The suspect was caught fishing without a permit, a violation of fisheries regulations intended to manage and conserve marine resources. Authorities confiscated a motorized fishing boat and several fishing paraphernalia with a combined estimated value of ₱100,000. The seized equipment is now under the custody of the Municipal Agriculture Office pending further investigation and legal action.
According to Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the PNP will continue to strictly enforce laws protecting the country’s marine resources.
“Hindi natin pinapalampas ang sinumang lalabag sa batas, lalo na kung nakakasama sa ating likas yaman. Patuloy tayong magpapaigting ng operasyon upang maprotektahan ang kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda at ang ating dagat,” Nartatez said.
The police chief emphasized that illegal fishing not only depletes marine biodiversity but also undermines the livelihood of law-abiding fishermen who depend on sustainable fishing practices.
The recent arrests underscore the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, fisheries enforcement groups, and the police in monitoring coastal communities across Zamboanga del Norte, an area known for its rich marine resources but also vulnerable to illegal fishing activities.
Officials said the operations form part of the broader campaign of the Philippine National Police under the program “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” which aims to strengthen law enforcement while ensuring the protection of the country’s natural resources and the welfare of coastal communities.