THREE commercial fishing vessels (CFVs) were apprehended for violating the Fisheries Code following a maritime patrol within the coastal waters of the Davao Gulf from Nov. 11-15, 2025.
The vessels allegedly violated the Amended Fisheries Code (RA 10654) along the eastern coastline of the Davao Region.
The Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Operations Center (ERMCSOC) team, onboard the DA-BFAR MCS 3007 vessel, manned by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, apprehended the violators during the five-day patrol.
“All apprehensions were carried out with proper documentation, and the Fishery Law Enforcement Manual of Operations was strictly observed throughout the operation,” BFAR XI said.
According to BFAR XI, the vessels were found to have various fishery law violations, including one medium-scale ringnet and two small-scale tuna handlines. These were punishable under Republic Act 10654 or “An Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.”
These violations include two counts of Section 86(a1) for Unauthorized Fishing, as the vessels operated without a permit from the Bureau.
Further, they violated one count of Section 86(a2) for Unauthorized Fishing committed within municipal waters; one count of Section 95 for the use of active fishing gear in municipal waters, bays, and other fishery management areas; and one count of Section 121 for the use of unlicensed fishing gear.
Marvie Padasay, ERMCSOC officer, said the operators of the three vessels settled their administrative penalties.
Meanwhile, the unlicensed tuna handline was temporarily impounded but was released immediately after the fines were settled.
“BFAR XI reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the region’s marine resources through sustained and coordinated maritime patrols, strict enforcement of fishery laws, and continuous collaboration with the local government units and law enforcement agencies,” the agency stressed.
