THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) and its partner agencies intercepted an unmarked motorized banca (outrigger) suspected of illegal fishing activities in the waters off Padada, Davao del Sur on Friday, June 14.
Lt Commander Angel Tobias, the chief of staff of the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), said the vessel was discovered using an air compressor, a gear strictly prohibited for fishing operations in Philippine waters.
Tobias said four crew members on board were apprehended and their vessel was seized.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group took custody of the suspects, who will face corresponding charges.
Meanwhile, the confiscated vessel and equipment were handed over to the Municipal Agriculture’s Office of Padada for proper disposition according to existing regulations.
She said this joint operation reflects the PCG’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in the Davao Region.
The Coast Guard Station Davao del Sur, alongside its partner agencies, will continue to conduct regular patrols and operations to safeguard the country’s valuable marine resources.
