ILOILO – The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has intensified its crackdown on illegal fishing, resulting in the seizure of 14 motorboats across the waters of the 5th District. The sustained operations took place over a six-day period, spanning from May 8 to 13,
The series of operations involved multiple municipal police stations and provincial units. Batad Municipal Police Station (MPS) led the efforts with four apprehended vessels. Concepcion and San Dionisio MPS successfully seized three motorboats each.
For their part, the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company accounted for two apprehensions and Ajuy and Carles MPS logged one apprehension each.
Police investigations revealed several grave violations committed by the boat operators:
* operating without necessary permits and documentation,
* fishing in unauthorized territories and restricted fishing sanctuaries, and
* the use of destructive explosives (dynamite fishing).
The seized motorboats are currently impounded at various Bantay Dagat Task Force locations and police stations. The individuals involved are facing charges for violating local illegal fishing ordinances and Section 92 of Republic Act 10654 (which amends the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) regarding the use of explosives in fishing.
Under the leadership of Police Colonel Bayani M. Razalan, the IPPO remains steadfast in its mission to protect Iloilo’s marine resources. The provincial police office reiterated its dedication to aggressive campaigning against illegal fishing to ensure the preservation of the province’s natural aquatic wealth./PN
