Two commercial fishing vessels were apprehended for illegal fishing along the municipal waters in San Isidro, Davao Oriental on Monday, November 13, 2023.

The apprehension was a result of the joint law enforcement operations conducted by BFAR XI, Bantay-Dagat San Isidro, and PNP Maritime Group-Mati Station, Davao Oriental.

According to Jefferson Montera, Provincial Fishery Officer for Davao Oriental, the erring operators were charged with an administrative case for violating section 86 of RA 10654 or “An Act to Prevent, Deter, Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF),” which amended RA 8550 or “The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998”.

“The confiscated fish catch, totaling 700 kilograms of various small pelagic fish, were distributed to charitable institutions,” Montera added.

BFAR XI OIC Regional Director Relly B. Garcia, warned potential violators that the agency will intensify its law enforcement operations in the region through convergence with other law enforcement agencies.

“Our mission is to eradicate IUUF in Davao region. Perpetrators will face the force of the law and be held accountable,” Dir. Garcia said.

IUUF, recognized by the United Nations as one of seven major threats to world maritime security, has been a major concern for the Philippines, which incurs billions in losses annually due to IUUF. The joint operations aim to curb and ensure sustainable fisheries resources.