NABBED. A joint law enforcement team boards a fishing boat suspected of illegal fishing during a seaborne patrol in waters off Balesin Island in Polillo, Quezon on Sunday (Oct. 6, 2024). The Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday (Oct. 8) said the 17 fishers were apprehended for having used the illegal 'Buli-Buli' fishing method. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
MANILA – A joint law enforcement operation led to the apprehension of 17 fishers and the seizure of PHP1.4 million worth of various fishing gear and catch in the waters off Balesin Island in Polillo, Quezon.
In a situation report on Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the operation on Sunday happened during a seaborne patrol targeting illegal fishing activities in the area surrounding Lamon Bay.
During the patrol, a provincial patrol boat spotted an unmarked fishing banca using a modified Danish seine (Buli-Buli), an illegal fishing method banned in 2013.
“The team swiftly approached and boarded the vessel, with the [PCG Sub Station Polillo] team and Bantay Dagat Polillo serving as a blocking force to prevent escape,” the PCG said.
The joint operation was conducted by personnel from the PCG Sub Station Polillo, Bantay Dagat Polillo, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group in Polillo, Delta Company of the 1st Infantry Battalion, and the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
The apprehended fishing boat, painted blue and homeported in Mauban, Quezon, was skippered by Rendon Ebuenga Mendoza, accompanied by Joel Samson Caballera as engineman, Edwin Dela Cruz as a master fisherman, and 14 other crew members.
“Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the individuals violated Sections 86 (Unauthorized Fishing) and 97 in relation to Fishing Administrative Order 246-1 of Republic Act (RA) 8550, as amended by RA 10654, known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998,” it said.
The market value of the seized fishing boat and other assets was estimated to be around PHP1.12 million while the 800 kilograms of assorted fish catch they were carrying was around PHP300,000.
The fishers and their boat were transported to Polillo Port for the issuance of notices of violations.
“They were immediately taken to the Polillo Rural Health Unit for medical assessments before being returned to the office of the PNP Maritime Group Polillo for further investigation and documentation, in preparation for the filing of appropriate charges,” it said. (PNA)
