More than Php3 million worth of fishing gear, boats, and illegally caught fish were confiscated at the vicinity waters of Lamon Bay on Thursday, September 19.
In a joint seaborne patrol operation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a fishing boat containing fishing gears and illegally caught fish was seized. According to the PCG, they spotted four unmarked fishing boats at approximately 6:00 AM.
The boats were identified as modified Danish seine vessels (buli-buli), which were operating illegally about 12 kilometers from the shoreline of Balesin Island. Upon inspection, the PCG found one of the vessels to be unregistered, leading to its apprehension.
However, one of the boats evaded capture by fleeing in a different direction.
“The operators of the seized vessel violated Section 97 in relation to FAO 246-1 of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550), as amended by RA 10654, which seeks to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” the PCG wrote.
The seized equipments and fishing boats have an estimated market value of Php3,000,000; while the intercepted 1,200 kilograms of assorted fish have an estimated value of Php216,000.
Additionally, the fishing boats will be transported to Polillo, Quezon for further investigation.
The mission was a collaborative effort between the PCG and several law enforcement agencies in Northern Quezon. Along with them are the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 4A Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement CALABARZON, the Naval Forces Southern Luzon, Polillo Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, the 1st Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry ‘Jungle Fighter’ Division, Philippine Army, and Bantay Dagat Polillo.
