GOVERNOR GENEROSO, Davao Oriental — Six individuals were apprehended by authorities for engaging in illegal compressor fishing during an overnight maritime law enforcement operation off the coast of Barangay Pundaguitan, Governor Generoso, as the Philippine Coast Guard intensified its campaign against destructive and illegal fishing activities.
The operation was carried out by the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) through the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Governor Generoso, in coordination with the Coast Guard Intelligence Unit (CGIU) Southeastern Mindanao and the Bantay Dagat of the Municipality of Governor Generoso.
According to authorities, the joint operation began at approximately 5:00 p.m. on July 21 and continued through the night until 5:40 a.m. on July 22, covering waters about 500 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Pundaguitan.
The sustained patrol formed part of intensified maritime law enforcement efforts aimed at protecting marine ecosystems, enforcing fisheries regulations, and curbing illegal fishing activities within the municipality.
Illegal Fishing Activity Intercepted
While conducting a routine joint seaborne patrol, the operating team observed suspicious fishing activities in the area. Authorities intercepted the suspects as they were returning from their fishing operation.
A thorough inspection confirmed that the fishermen had been using an illegal compressor apparatus while harvesting marine resources, a practice expressly prohibited under Municipal Ordinance No. 04, Series of 2006, which bans compressor fishing within the waters of Governor Generoso.
The six fishermen were immediately apprehended for violating the local fisheries ordinance.
Illegal Equipment Seized
Authorities confiscated various pieces of equipment used in the illegal operation, including:
- One compressor set;
- Air hoses used for underwater breathing; and
- Other fishing paraphernalia associated with compressor fishing.
Compressor fishing allows divers to remain underwater for extended periods using air supplied through hoses connected to compressors mounted on boats. Aside from being prohibited in many coastal municipalities, the practice is considered hazardous due to the risk of decompression sickness and is often linked to destructive and unsustainable harvesting of marine resources.
Suspects Turned Over for Filing of Charges
Following the successful apprehension, the joint operating team proceeded to the Port of Monserrat in Barangay Monserrat at around 5:50 a.m.
By 8:30 a.m., the six apprehended individuals, together with their motor banca, fishing equipment, and fish catch, were formally turned over to the Municipal Agriculture Office of Governor Generoso.
The office will facilitate the proper filing of the corresponding legal and administrative cases against the suspects for violating the municipality’s fisheries regulations.
Coast Guard Intensifies Campaign Against Illegal Fishing
The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s coastal and marine resources through sustained maritime law enforcement operations and strengthened collaboration with local government units and community-based enforcement groups.
Officials emphasized that partnerships with agencies such as Bantay Dagat remain crucial in detecting and preventing illegal fishing activities that threaten marine biodiversity, fisheries sustainability, and the livelihoods of law-abiding fishermen.
CGDSEM also reiterated its commitment to continuing aggressive enforcement operations across Southeastern Mindanao to combat illegal fishing practices, preserve marine ecosystems, and ensure the sustainable utilization of the country’s rich coastal and marine resources for future generations.