POLILLO, Quezon – Authorities seized illegal fishing boats and gear and illegally caught fish valued at P3.2 million during a seaborne patrol operation in Lamon Bay near Balesin Island here on Thursday, September 19.
ILLEGAL fishing boats and gear were seized in a seaborne patrol operation in the sea of Polillo, Quezon on September 19. (Photo via Danny Estacio)
Operatives from various government agencies spotted four unmarked fishing boats identified as modified Danish seine vessels (buli-buli) operating illegally about 12 kilometers from the shoreline of Balesin Island.
These four fishing boats were found unregistered during inspection and another boat evaded apprehension by fleeing in a different direction.
Authorities said operators violated the Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 or Republic Act 8550 as amended by RA 10654 that seeks to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Seized fishing boats and equipment have an estimated market value of P3 million. Confiscated assorted fish weighed 1.2 tons worth P216,000.
Seventeen fishermen onboard were taken into custody.
The fishing boats and fishermen from Barangay Caridad in Atimonan, Quezon are in the custody of the Polillo Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) for filing of appropriate complaints.