PCG: Two unregistered and unmarked fishing bancas in Baler, Aurora were recently apprehended by joint forces of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Fisheries Law Enforcement Team (BFAR-FLET) after a Monitoring, Control and Surveillance operations at the municipal waters of Baler, San Luis and Dingalan, Aurora against any forms of illegal fishing activities.

The team onboard BFAR MM Patrol Boat Nr 3035 spotted two unmarked fishing boats along the coastal waters of Disucsip Point Baler, Aurora with approximate distance of 500 meters from the nearest shoreline.

The PCG boarding team together with BFAR-Quick Response Team - 3 Aurora personnel inspected both fishing motorbancas, F/B EMALYN and F/B CASANDRA and found out that none had any pertinent documents onboard, all crew including the boat Captain and fishing gears were all unlicensed.

Investigation revealed that there were 27 detached black tip sharksfin and four tiger sharks (which classified as endangered species) and were charged following violations in sections 102, 86, 89, 90 and 113 based on the RA 8550 as amended by Republic Act 10654 and violating the local ordinance of the municipality.

The said motorbancas were brought to fish port of Baler, Aurora for filing of proper cases and conduct of inventory. The confiscated shark fins and sharks were examined by BFAR personnel for proper identification/classification to be used as evidences in filing the corresponding cases.