PHP 13.2 M worth of illegal catch seized in Western Visayas

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Regional Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Region 6 reported PHP 13.2 million worth of confiscated fish and fishing paraphernalia from January to September this year.

Based on consolidated reports from the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine Coast Guard District Western Visayas, the PNP Regional Maritime Unit 6, and the PNP Regional Police Office 6, the task force conducted 577 seaborne patrol operations during the period, resulting in the apprehension of 551 individuals and 218 fishing vessels.

Thirty-two cases were filed, and PHP 322,012 in administrative penalties were collected.

The task force also conducted 432 land-based operations, which led to the seizure of 4,039 kilograms of illegally caught fish worth PHP 383,590.

Confiscated fishing gear and other paraphernalia were valued at PHP 12.9 million.

The report was presented during the task force’s 3rd quarterly meeting on October 21 as enforcement agencies prepare for the Visayan Sea closed season, which will run from November 15 to February 15.

DA-BFAR Region 6 Director Remia A. Aparri, who chairs the task force, said the figures reflect the region’s strengthened coordination and commitment to protecting marine resources.

“Let us continue to build on our achievements as a region recognized for science-based fisheries management, strong inter-agency coordination, and our commitment to ecological and social justice,” she said.

Meanwhile, DA-BFAR 6 Fisheries Resource Management Section officer in charge Maria Aimee Sobrevega presented the ecological importance of the annual fishing ban, which aims to protect the spawning grounds of sardines, herrings, and mackerel — key species for both the ecosystem and coastal livelihoods.

With less than a month before the closure takes effect, the task force said it is tightening coordination among enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with the ban and sustain the gains of recent operations.

Also present during the meeting were representatives from the Bureau of Customs, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.