POLILLO, Quezon — Twenty fishermen were arrested at dawn Thursday, Aug. 20, after authorities intercepted them using illegal “taksay” fishing vessels off Barangay Balesin.
The 5th 15th Special Forces Company of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, Bantay Dagat of Polillo, and local police launched a seaborne patrol around 3 a.m. following reports of illegal fishing in the area.
Confiscated during the operation were two vessels marked “10th” and “19th Taksay,” fishing nets valued at P2.2 million, a 20HP Isuzu 4DR5 diesel engine worth P30,000, a dynamo 20KB worth P20,000, a lighting motorboat worth P10,000, 100 kilos of assorted fish valued at P15,000, and other fishing paraphernalia estimated at P356,900.
The seized vessels, equipment, and catch were turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) for custody and case disposition.