The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Puerto Princesa and Aborlan Bantay Dagat apprehended one commercial fishing boat and two small boats with 57 fishermen onboard due to illegal fishing at the vicinity waters off Aborlan, Palawan yesterday, 04 November 2021.

The joint maritime law enforcement team proceeded to the area after receiving an intelligence report. They spotted the fishermen engaged in illegal fishing operations — a violation of the Republic Act 10654 or The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 which bans the use of active fishing gears that catches smaller fish in the municipal waters.

Upon safety inspection supplemented by substantial pieces of evidence found on board, the team issued an Enforcement Inspection Apprehension Report (EIAR) and a Certificate of Orderly Inspection (COI) received by the boat captain, Gregorio Argulles Abong.

Subsequently, the apprehended fishing boats were escorted to Barangay Apurawan, Aborlan, Palawan for the inventory of confiscated paraphernalia and illegally caught fish, as well as preparation of documents needed for the filing of charges.

As of today, 05 November 2021, the apprehended fishermen, their fishing boats, and confiscated paraphernalia remain under the custody of the Command Out Post (COP) Apurawan, while the illegally caught fish were turned over to the barangay captain of Barangay Apurawan for proper disposition.

The PCG is one with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in eradicating illegal fishing activities in the country's waters to promote a healthy and sustainable Philippine marine ecosystem that supports food security and national stability.