Capitol task force nabs 11 in illegal ‘sensuro’ fishing

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Eleven fishermen were apprehended by the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force for allegedly engaging in illegal ring net fishing, locally known as “sensuro,” in the coastal waters of Estancia town on March 28, 2026.

Authorities identified those arrested as the boat captain and 10 crew members of F/B YSAY, all residents of Barangay Jolog, Estancia.

The suspects are under the custody of the Estancia Municipal Police Station.

Police said the fishermen were informed of their constitutional rights in accordance with the Miranda doctrine.

The apprehension stemmed from alleged violations of Republic Act No. 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654.

The law regulates fishing activities in municipal waters, which are generally reserved for small-scale municipal fisherfolk, and penalizes illegal fishing methods and unauthorized commercial operations.

“Sensuro,” a local term for round haul seine or ring net fishing, involves deploying a large net in a circular pattern to surround a school of fish before drawing the net inward to trap the catch.

Authorities and fisheries regulators have flagged the method for its potential to catch juvenile fish and contribute to fish stock depletion when used in restricted municipal waters.

Seized during the operation were the fishing vessel and related fishing paraphernalia, which are now in the custody of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force as evidence.

Authorities also recovered three tubs of anchovies, locally known as “balingon,” with an estimated value of PHP 18,000.

The confiscated catch was later donated to government-run penal institutions and charitable organizations.