Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station in Masbate apprehended three vessels used in illegal fishing activity along the vicinity waters off Balud, Masbate on Monday, 03 February 2020.

The fishing vessels that violated Section 28 of the Republic Act (RA) 8550 or The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 as amended by RA 10654 were identified as FV Reconnaissance-IV, FB Sacred Heart-IV, and FB Delta-X – all owned and operated by Martin Agro Industrial Corporation in Jaro, Iloilo.

The vessels, together with the fishermen and crew, were brought to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Mobo, Masbate for documentation and filing of appropriate charges.

The operation was made successful with the cooperation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Military Intelligence Command in Masbate (AFP – MICO).