Fisherman arrested over alleged ring-net fishing in Concepcion

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — A fisherman was arrested after allegedly engaging in ring-net fishing, locally known as “baling,” in the municipal waters of Concepcion, Iloilo, late Monday night, Aug. 24, 2026.

Henrex Nagayo Zamora, 42, of Barangay Macalbang, Concepcion, was taken into custody around 10:30 p.m. in waters off Tago Island in Barangay Poblacion, according to a police report.

Zamora was allegedly operating the fishing boat F/B Raychelle when personnel of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force spotted the activity during a seaborne patrol.

The operation was conducted by the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company with personnel from Regional Intelligence Unit 6.

Authorities seized the boat, valued at about PHP 100,000.

They also confiscated fishing equipment worth an estimated PHP 70,000 and catch valued at about PHP 5,000.

Authorities said using the fishing gear in municipal waters violated Section 95 of Republic Act No. 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654.

Section 95 prohibits the use of active fishing gear in municipal waters, bays and other fishery management areas.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources classifies ring nets as active fishing gear.

The Fisheries Code generally defines municipal waters as extending 15 kilometers from the coastline, including the coastlines of offshore islands.

Zamora was informed of his constitutional rights and the Anti-Torture Warning in a language he understood.

He was then taken to the Concepcion Municipal Police Station for processing and temporary detention.

The confiscated boat and fishing equipment were placed in the custody of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force.

Authorities said appropriate charges would be filed against Zamora.