PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat — Nine fishermen were arrested by authorities during an anti-illegal fishing operation after they were allegedly caught preparing for unlawful fishing activities using explosives and prohibited fishing equipment along the shoreline of Barangay Barongis, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on May 7, 2026.
Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), under the leadership of Regional Director PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, confirmed that the operation was conducted at around 10:30 a.m. following reports from concerned residents regarding suspicious preparations for illegal fishing activities at sea.
The arrested individuals were identified only through their aliases “Alver,” “Chino,” “Lowell,” “Jether,” “Clement,” “Barry,” “Caleb,” “Rojenn,” and “AJ.” All are of legal age, married, working as fishermen, and residents of Barangay Barongis, Palimbang.
According to authorities, personnel from the Palimbang Municipal Police Station, together with operatives from the 2nd Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company, immediately responded after receiving information that a group of fishermen was allegedly preparing to engage in illegal fishing operations.
Upon arriving at the area, law enforcement operatives conducted an ocular inspection and discovered two of the suspects already aboard a motorized banca stationed along the shoreline. Their companions were reportedly seen arranging and loading various fishing paraphernalia into the boat in preparation for the illegal activity.
During the operation, authorities recovered two M203 explosive rounds inside the motorized banca, raising serious concerns over the possible use of explosives for blast fishing activities, a destructive and prohibited method that severely damages marine ecosystems and coral reefs.
Also confiscated during the operation were various illegal fishing paraphernalia, including two fine-mesh fishing nets, one compressor tank, three small compressor hoses measuring approximately 80 meters each, one medium-sized compressor hose measuring around five meters, three sets of diving gear, six paddles, and one blue motorized banca believed intended for use in the unlawful fishing operation.
Authorities stressed that the use of explosives and prohibited fishing equipment poses grave threats to marine biodiversity, food security, and the livelihood of legitimate fishermen. Blast fishing and illegal compressor fishing have long been condemned for causing irreversible destruction to coral reefs and coastal habitats while endangering the lives of fishermen themselves.
The inventory and confiscation of the recovered evidence were witnessed by Barangay Kagawad Simeon Singgon of Barangay Barongis to ensure proper documentation and transparency during the operation.
The arrested individuals were informed of their constitutional rights before being transported to the Palimbang Municipal Police Station together with the confiscated evidence for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
The suspects are set to face charges for violation of Republic Act 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosives, as well as Republic Act 10654, which amended Republic Act 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
PBGEN Ardiente commended the operating units for their swift response and successful operation, emphasizing PRO-12’s continuing commitment to protecting coastal communities and preserving marine resources from illegal and destructive activities.
“We remain relentless in our campaign against illegal fishing and other unlawful activities that threaten public safety and destroy our marine environment. We encourage the public to continue supporting authorities by reporting suspicious activities in their communities,” Ardiente said.