Photo courtesy of PNP
Twenty-four fishers were arrested off the coast of Aborlan, Palawan, after authorities intercepted two boats allegedly engaged in fishing without the required permits, police said.
The arrests were made during two joint seaborne patrol operations on Sept. 8 involving the Philippine National Police Maritime Group’s 2nd Special Operations Unit-Quezon Special Boat Crew, the Aborlan Municipal Agriculture Office and Bantay-Dagat.
Police said the two fishing vessels were found operating in Aborlan waters without documents required by the local government and other concerned authorities.
Six of the arrested individuals were accused of violating Section 86 of Republic Act No. 10654, which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code, while 18 others were cited for alleged violations of Section 51, or “Other Prohibitions,” under Aborlan Municipal Ordinance No. 08, Series of 2016.
Authorities said they confiscated two fishing boats valued at Php 1.06 million, two motor engines worth Php 180,000, about 240 meters of fishing nets valued at Php 400,000, a towing machine and roughly 120 kilograms of assorted fish, including galunggong.
The seized boats, equipment and fish catch were valued at a combined Php 1.658 million, according to police.
The arrested individuals and confiscated equipment were taken to the Maritime Group unit for documentation and proper disposition. The seized fish were turned over to Aborlan Medicare Hospital.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez said authorities would continue enforcing fisheries laws in coastal areas. The allegations against those arrested remain subject to due process and appropriate legal proceedings.