Fishing boats seized for illegal fishing in Panay

By Felipe V. Celino

PANAY, Capiz — Police officers and local environmental officials apprehended two fishing boats in separate operations on Monday morning, September 22, 2025, in the waters of Panay, Capiz.

The seizures were made for violations of the Municipal Fishery Code, specifically for illegal fishing using “carit” gear without proper documentation.

At around 9:20 a.m., authorities intercepted a fishing boat owned and operated by a 42-year-old man known as “Delfin,” a resident of Barangay Pawa, Panay.

Ten minutes later, a second boat operated by another Barangay Pawa resident, 38-year-old “Jeger,” was also caught engaging in similar illegal activity.

Both fishermen were cited for violating Municipal Ordinance No. 03-02, or the Municipal Fishery Code of Panay.

Confiscated from the two boats were two pump boats valued at PHP 40,000 each, gasoline engines rated at 7 horsepower and 10 horsepower worth PHP 15,000 each, fishing accessories worth PHP 2,000 per set, and over 12 kilograms of blood cockle (balinday) seashells valued at PHP 600 per kilo.

The total estimated value of the seized items and catch is PHP 57,600.

The fishermen and confiscated equipment were turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of LGU-Panay for legal processing and disposal.

The joint operation was carried out by the Panay Municipal Police Station, led by PSSg Jesan M. Cantonjos, in coordination with MENRO-LGU Panay.