In a joint seaborne patrol operation aimed at curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, more than P3 million worth of fishing gear, boat and fish catch were confiscated from a fishing boat caught using the illegal method at the vicinity waters of Lamon Bay, specifically near Balesin Island, Polillo, Quezon, yesterday, 19 September 2024.

The successful mission was a collaborative effort between the intelligence units of the Philippine Coast Guard and various law enforcement agencies in Northern Quezon, working in close coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 4A Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement CALABARZON, Naval Forces Southern Luzon, Polillo Philippine National Police Maritime Group, the 1st Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division, Philippine Army, and Bantay Dagat Polillo.

At approximately 6:00 AM, the joint team spotted four unmarked fishing boats, identified as modified Danish seine vessels (buli-buli), operating illegally about 12 kilometers from the shoreline of Balesin Island. Upon inspection, one of the fishing vessels, painted blue and found to be unregistered, was apprehended, while another boat evaded capture by fleeing in a different direction.

The operators of the seized vessel violated Section 97 in relation to FAO 246-1 of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550), as amended by RA 10654, which seeks to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

The confiscated fishing boats and equipment are estimated to have a market value of Php 3,000,000.00 while the seized fish catch—1,200 kilograms of assorted fish—has an estimated value of Php 216,000.00. The fishing boats will be transported to Polillo, Quezon, for further investigation, with appropriate charges to follow.

Personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station Polillo, along with Bantay Dagat Polillo and the Polillo Sea Ambulance, assisted in securing the area and towing the apprehended vessel to the port of Polillo.

The operation reaffirms the Coast Guard’s commitment, together with its partner agencies, to protecting the country's marine resources and maintaining lawful and sustainable fishing practices.

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