On October 6, 2024, a joint Philippine maritime law enforcement operation resulted in 17 illegal fishers arrested and the seizure of a fishing banca, its catch, and equipment valued at Php 1,420,000 (around $25,000) in the waters off Balesin Island, Polillo, Quezon.
Personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Polillo, Bantay Dagat, the PNP Maritime Group Polillo, and Delta Company of the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Battalion carried out the maritime operation that successfully apprehended the illegal fishers.
Departing from Polillo Port, the team conducted a seaborne patrol around Lamon Bay. There, the Provincial Patrol Boat spotted an unmarked blue fishing banca from Mauban, Quezon, engaged in illegal fishing with a modified Danish seine, locally called “Buli-Buli.”
The team intercepted the banca, blocking its escape. On board were 17 individuals, including the skipper, an engineman, a master fisherman, and 14 crew members.
The authorities confirmed that the crew violated Sections 86 (Unauthorized Fishing) and 97 of the Philippine Fisheries Code, under Fishing Administrative Order 246-1 of Republic Act 8550, amended by RA 10654. The seized assets included the banca and equipment, valued at Php 1,120,000 (around $19,700), and 800 kilograms of assorted fish, valued at Php 300,000 (around $5,300).
The vessel and suspects were transported to Polillo Port, where they were issued notices of violation. After medical assessments at the Polillo Rural Health Unit, the 17 arrested illegal fishers were handed over to the PNP Maritime Group for further investigation and charges.
