Trawl fishing vessel seized off Concepcion coast

By Mariela Angella Oladive

CONCEPCION, Iloilo — Authorities apprehended a fishing vessel for alleged illegal trawl fishing during a maritime enforcement operation in the waters off Barangay Bagongon, Concepcion, Iloilo, on the evening of June 16.

Joint operatives of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force and the Regional Intelligence Unit 6 intercepted the vessel, identified as F/B Natnat, at about 9 p.m.

Authorities said the vessel was allegedly conducting trawl fishing within municipal waters.

Trawl fishing involves towing a large net through the water or along the seabed to catch fish and other marine species.

Trawls are classified as active fishing gear, and the use of active fishing gear in municipal waters is prohibited under the Philippine Fisheries Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654.

The restriction aims to protect municipal fishing grounds and safeguard the livelihood of small-scale fisherfolk who depend on nearshore waters.

The operation was led by Police Chief Master Sgt. Ariel E. Palmera under the supervision of Police Maj. John Salvador A. Bello, officer-in-charge of the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company and RIU-6.

Authorities identified the vessel’s pilot as Antonio Dignadice of Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Seized during the operation were about 10 kilograms of assorted fish with an estimated value of PHP 3,000.

The fishing vessel and its fishing paraphernalia were also impounded pending appropriate proceedings.

Provincial authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal fishing activities in Iloilo’s coastal waters.