ILOILO – Authorities seized a fishing boat and equipment worth a combined P175,000 in the waters off Concepcion, Iloilo, on October 18, intensifying the provincial government’s crackdown on illegal fishing practices that threaten marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of small-scale fisherfolk.
The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) intercepted the vessel near Tago Island in Barangay Poblacion after maritime patrol operatives spotted it allegedly engaging in unauthorized ring net fishing.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of boat captain and operator Reynante Aldaya Posadas, 51, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Concepcion.
Authorities confiscated the unnamed fishing vessel valued at P100,000, ring net fishing equipment worth P70,000, and one tub of assorted fish valued at P5,000.
The seized boat, fishing gear and catch had a combined estimated value of P175,000.
According to the task force, the vessel was allegedly operating in violation of Section 95 of Republic Act 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act 10654.
The maritime patrol was led by Police Chief Master Sergeant Ariel Palmera, with personnel from the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company and operatives of the Regional Intelligence Unit 6 (RIU6).
Following his apprehension, Posadas was informed of his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine and temporarily placed under the custody of the Concepcion Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
The latest interception forms part of the provincial government’s sustained campaign against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF), which authorities consider a continuing threat to Iloilo’s coastal resources.
The campaign is being implemented by the IPBDTF under the supervision of Provincial Administrator Raul Banias as part of the marine protection initiatives of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.’s administration.
Provincial authorities have intensified maritime patrols to curb destructive and unauthorized fishing activities, particularly those that threaten municipal fishing grounds and the livelihood of small-scale fishermen.
The provincial government’s anti-illegal fishing campaign also seeks to preserve marine habitats, protect fish stocks and ensure that coastal communities can continue depending on the sea for their livelihood./PN
