ILOILO — A province-wide crackdown on illegal fishing has netted 12 motor bancas in northern Iloilo within five days, signalling a renewed enforcement push by authorities to protect marine resources and deter destructive fishing practices.
The joint operation of the Bantay Dagat Task Force and the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, led by Police Major Harold Rendora, targeted violators using prohibited fishing methods and operating without permits.
The first sweep occurred on October 15, when three motor bancas from Barangay Logingot, Estancia, were intercepted in Barangay Alipata, Carles around 4 p.m.
Authorities said the boats were caught conducting “trawl fishing,” a banned method that uses massive nets to catch large volumes of fish and other marine species.
Later that evening, six more motor bancas were seized around 8:15 p.m. in Barangay Macatunao, Concepcion. Five of these were registered to residents of Barangay Lo-ong, and one to a fisherman from San Dionisio.
Investigators reported that the vessels were engaged in the “Baskal” method of fishing — also prohibited — and were found operating without valid permits.
The crackdown continued on October 18 at around 9 p.m., when three additional motor bancas were apprehended in Sitio Punting, Barangay Tambaliza, after being caught using the “Siklob” technique.
All operators were residents of Barangay Lo-ong, Concepcion.
All 12 vessels and their fishing equipment were impounded by the Bantay Dagat Task Force. The owners will have to settle penalties for violations under Municipal Ordinance Section 11.06, Series of 2022, which governs illegal fishing practices.
The operation, according to authorities, underscores Iloilo’s commitment to curbing illegal fishing that threatens marine biodiversity and the livelihood of legitimate fisherfolk.
“This is part of our continuing effort to uphold marine conservation laws and protect our coastal communities,” said Rendora./PN