05/07/2026
PNP NABS 29 IN ANTI-ILLEGAL FISHING DRIVE; ₱10.12-M IN EQUIPMENT SEIZED
The Philippine National Police (PNP) sustained its nationwide campaign against illegal fishing after four separate maritime law enforcement operations conducted from July 4 to the early hours of July 5, 2026 resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the confiscation of fishing vessels, prohibited fishing gear, and other equipment with a combined estimated value of ₱10.12 million.
The accomplishment supports the government's continuing efforts under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to safeguard the country's marine resources while advancing the PNP Focused Agenda through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes stronger operational coordination and effective law enforcement.
In Cebu, personnel of the Cebu Maritime Law Enforcement Team (MLET) and the Regional Maritime Unit 7 conducted a seaborne patrol about 14 kilometers off Carnaza Island, Daanbantayan, on the morning of July 4. The operation led to the arrest of three Filipino crew members of a commercial fishing vessel and the confiscation of a medium-scale fishing vessel, fishing paraphernalia, around 300 kilograms of assorted fish, a GPS unit, and other equipment with an estimated value of ₱1.62 million.
Later that afternoon in the municipal waters of Orion, Bataan, personnel of the Orion Municipal Police Station, together with the local Bantay Dagat, conducted an anti-illegal fishing operation that resulted in the apprehension of 19 Filipino fishermen and the confiscation of a fishing boat valued at approximately ₱2.9 million. In accordance with applicable fisheries regulations, the violators were subsequently released after payment of the prescribed administrative fine.
In Zamboanga City, operatives of the Maritime Police Station conducted another seaborne patrol in the waters of Barangay Sangali on the evening of July 4. The operation resulted in the arrest of two Filipino suspects and the confiscation of a modified Danish seine, fishing nets, improvised fishing accessories, two boat engines, and four boxes of assorted fish. The seized fishing equipment was estimated at ₱1.6 million.
Meanwhile, in the seawaters off Barangay Malangabang, Concepcion, Iloilo, a joint operation by the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, the Regional Intelligence Unit 6, and the Bantay Dagat Task Force led to the arrest of five Filipino fishermen during the early hours of July 5. Authorities confiscated four fishing boats, fishing paraphernalia, and assorted fish with an estimated value of more than ₱4 million.
All arrested individuals are of legal age and are undergoing the appropriate legal process, while the confiscated items remain under the custody of the concerned operating units and partner agencies.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. lauded the operating personnel for their coordinated efforts in protecting the country's marine resources.
"Ang ating mga karagatan ay hindi lang likas na yaman—kabuhayan din ito ng napakaraming Pilipino. Kaya tuloy-tuloy nating ipatutupad ang batas laban sa illegal fishing, hindi lang para mapanagot ang mga lumalabag, kundi para matiyak na may mapapakinabangan pa ang mga susunod na henerasyon. Gagawin natin ito nang may integridad, paggalang sa batas, at sa karapatan ng bawat isa," Chief PNP said.
The Chief PNP also reminded coastal communities and those engaged in the fishing industry to continue observing fisheries laws and to work with authorities in preserving the country's marine environment.
"Mas magiging epektibo ang ating kampanya kung may pagtutulungan ang pamahalaan at ang komunidad. Hinihikayat natin ang publiko na ireport ang mga paglabag upang sama-sama nating mapangalagaan ang ating karagatan para sa susunod na henerasyon."
The PNP remains committed to strengthening maritime law enforcement through close coordination with concerned agencies and local government units, in line with Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)