ILOILO — Joint elements of the police and local maritime enforcement personnel apprehended a 58-year-old fisherman for municipal fishing violations during a seaborne patrol off Barangay Poblacion, San Dionisio, Iloilo on September 24.
Operatives from the San Dionisio Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Municipal Bantay-Dagat intercepted the suspect, alias “Lito,” a resident of Barangay Tanza, Estancia, at around 5 a.m.
Authorities reported that the suspect, who was piloting the motorbanca MB Icee, violated Sections 76 and 77 of San Dionisio Municipal Ordinance No. 12-03, which prohibit operations by unregistered fisherfolk and unregistered vessels within municipal waters.
Enforcers confiscated the motorized boat valued at P150,000, fishing nets and equipment worth P150,000, and 40 kilograms of fish valued at P10,000.
The suspect was brought to the San Dionisio Municipal Treasurer’s Office for the assessment and payment of appropriate administrative fines, while the impounded vessel and gear were turned over to the custody of the Municipal Bantay-Dagat.
Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director Colonel Bayani M. Razalan underscored the necessity of continuous maritime enforcement to safeguard local marine life and coastal livelihoods.
“Our coastal waters are vital to the livelihood of our communities, and we will continue to support efforts that protect these resources from illegal and destructive fishing practices,” Razalan said. “Through regular patrols and close coordination with our local partners, we can help ensure that our municipal waters remain safe, productive, and sustainable for our fisherfolk.”
The IPPO reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with local government units and coastal enforcement agencies to uphold fishery laws and maintain peace across Northern Iloilo’s coastal communities./PN
