LUPON, Davao Oriental — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XI (BFAR XI), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), apprehended a commercial fishing vessel allegedly engaged in actual fishing operations inside the municipal waters of Lupon, Davao Oriental, during a joint seaborne enforcement operation on September 1, 2026.
The apprehension was carried out by personnel of the BFAR XI Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Operations Center (ERMCSOC) and the Philippine Coast Guard, who were aboard the DA-BFAR MCS-3007 monitoring, control and surveillance vessel as part of intensified efforts to enforce fisheries laws and protect municipal fishing grounds.
According to the initial apprehension report, the fishing vessel was intercepted at approximately 5:58 a.m. while reportedly conducting fishing activities using a ring net.
The vessel was located approximately nine kilometers from the nearest shoreline of Barangay Bundas, Lupon, Davao Oriental, placing it within the municipality’s municipal waters.
Authorities identified the vessel as a small-scale commercial fishing vessel with a reported gross tonnage of 17.48.
Cited for violations of Fisheries Code
The vessel was cited for alleged violations of Sections 86(a2) and 95 of Republic Act No. 10654, the law that amended the Philippine Fisheries Code.
Section 86(a2) provides penalties for unauthorized fishing, including commercial fishing activities conducted within municipal waters without the authority required under fisheries laws and regulations.
Meanwhile, Section 95 prohibits the use of active fishing gear in municipal waters and other areas where such fishing gear is prohibited.
The enforcement action underscores restrictions governing commercial fishing activities in municipal waters, which are primarily intended to protect the fishing grounds and livelihood of municipal fisherfolk and ensure the sustainable use of coastal and aquatic resources.
Around 30 kilos of fish seized
During the apprehension, BFAR and Coast Guard personnel recovered approximately 30 kilograms of bigeye scad, locally known as matambaka, from the fishing vessel.
The confiscated fish was estimated to be worth around ₱6,000.
Rather than allowing the seized fishery products to go to waste, authorities followed established procedures for the proper disposition of confiscated catch.
The approximately 30 kilograms of fish were subsequently turned over for distribution through the Quick Response Team Command Center (QRTCC) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in Davao City.
The disposition allows the confiscated fishery products to be put to beneficial use while authorities proceed with the appropriate enforcement and administrative processes arising from the apprehension.
Intensified fight against illegal fishing
The operation forms part of BFAR XI’s continuing monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) activities aimed at detecting and stopping illegal fishing practices in the region.
BFAR XI, together with the Philippine Coast Guard and other law enforcement partners, has continued to strengthen seaborne patrols and enforcement activities against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly activities that threaten municipal fishing grounds and the sustainability of fisheries resources.
The apprehension in Lupon highlights the continuing enforcement of restrictions on commercial fishing within municipal waters, where unauthorized commercial fishing and the use of prohibited active fishing gear can undermine the access of small-scale and municipal fisherfolk to their traditional fishing grounds.
For coastal communities that depend heavily on fisheries for food and livelihood, protecting municipal waters remains a critical component of sustainable fisheries management.
BFAR XI said its enforcement and surveillance efforts will continue to ensure compliance with fisheries laws, prevent illegal fishing activities and safeguard the country’s marine and aquatic resources for future generations.