PCG: Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Law Enforcement 4-A successfully apprehended a suspected cargo vessel named Merchant Vessel Alejandra carrying more or less 200 fish tubs of blasted fishes and suspected endangered marine species last May 20, 2019.

A report reaching the Coast Guard said subject vessel departed Linapacan, Palawan last May 19 enroute to Delpan Wharf in Manila and was allegedly carrying the said contraband.

Upon receiving the report, the PCG immediately coordinated with BFAR Law Enforcement Team to apprehend the subject vessel.

The joint operation team boarded the said vessel and conducted examination to the fish tubs. The team has confirmed that out of the 162 tubs being examined, 79 fish tubs contained positive blasted fishes with an estimated market value of Php 3,240,000.00. Another fish tub also contained endangered species such as stingrays and sharks.

The fish tubs with negative blasted fishes were turned-over to the concerned consignees while positive blasted fishes were disposed to various charitable institutions. Meanwhile, the confiscated endangered species were subjected for further investigation and disposition.

Personnel of the Coast Guard Medical Service arrived at Coast Guard Sub-Station Delpan and conducted an initial medical check-up to the 10 crew members of M/V Alejandrea before proceeding to Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center for final physical and medical examination.