PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Two fishing boats and assorted fishing equipment with an estimated combined value of ₱600,000 were confiscated by personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group during a seaborne patrol operation in the waters off Pagadian City on November 8, 2026, following the detection of alleged violations of Philippine fisheries laws.
The operation was conducted by the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station in coordination with the Pagadian City Police Station as part of intensified maritime law enforcement efforts to prevent illegal fishing and protect municipal fishing grounds.
Authorities reportedly caught the individuals operating the fishing boats while engaging in fishing activities without the required permits and conducting commercial fishing within municipal waters without being registered in the Registry of Municipal Fisherfolk.
The alleged violations fall under Sections 86(a) and 86(b) of Republic Act No. 10654, which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. Section 86(a) penalizes unlicensed fishing and commercial fishing within municipal waters, while Section 86(b) covers commercial fishing activities conducted by municipal fisherfolk who are not registered in the required registry.
SPONSORED LINK: https://lightlypowerfulgourmet.com/u9i107dsea?key=63025114fa6eb96108de24ad21ec0671
The two fishing boats and their associated equipment, valued at approximately ₱600,000, were confiscated as evidence in connection with the operation.
Following the interception, the individuals and confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 9 for custody, further investigation, and determination of the appropriate administrative charges.
The Pagadian City operation forms part of broader efforts by maritime authorities to enforce fisheries regulations, particularly restrictions on commercial fishing within municipal waters, where fishing activities are subject to specific licensing, registration, and regulatory requirements.
The enforcement of these provisions is intended to protect the livelihood of municipal fisherfolk, prevent unauthorized commercial exploitation of coastal resources, and promote the sustainable management of the country’s municipal fishing grounds.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the identities of those apprehended and the specific fishing equipment recovered.