Not in our waters: PNP Maritime Group arrests 2 Malaysians for illegal fishing off Palawan waters
Operatives of the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group have arrested 20 people, including two Malaysians, for allegedly poaching off the waters of Mangsee Island in Balabac, Palawan.
PNP-MG director Brig. Gen. Jonathan Cabal said the operation also resulted in the confiscation of the fishing boat loaded with 60 kilograms of live Suno fish, around 300 kilograms of assorted fish, and several pieces of fishing equipment.
“These items will serve as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings,” said Cabal.
He said the apprehension was a result of the intensified operations to guard the Philippine waters in support of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy.
The operation was conducted on Aug. 13 by operatives from the 2nd Special Operations Unit - Maritime Group (2nd SOU-MG). The vessel, marked "KT598WIF," is owned by a Malaysian citizen identified as "Ku."
“Along with 19 crew members, the boat was found engaging in illegal fishing in violation of Section 91 of R.A. 10654. This law specifically addresses poaching by foreign vessels within Philippine territory, an offense that carries severe penalties under Philippine law,” said Cabal.
He said 18 of those arrested are Filipinos who were hired by the two Malaysians.
He said the arrested individuals and the seized pieces of evidence were transported to the 2nd SOU-MG Rio Tuba Maritime Law Enforcement Team for proper disposition.
“The Maritime Group remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard the country's marine resources against illegal activities, particularly in its vast and vulnerable coastal areas,” said Cabal.