2 commercial fishing vessels apprehended for illegal fishing in Dapitan

By Rene V. Carbayas

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 30 (PIA) – Fisheries law enforcers of Dapitan City have apprehended recently two commercial fishing vessels for unauthorized fishing in its municipal waters.

In a report, the fishing vessels F/B ZECM and F/B Krishan Fer were detained for blatant violation of Section 86 (Unauthorized Fishing) and Section 113 (Commercial Fishing Vessel Operators Employing Unlicensed Fisherfolk, Fish worker, or Crew) of RA 10654 or the Amended Fisheries Code.

 

The said commercial fishing vessels were also found operating without MARINA documents. 

 

The presence of the DA-BFAR-IX FPLEG-ZDN at vicinity waters of Dapitan with its highly trained and dedicated fishery law enforcement personnel as well as the logistical capabilities of having its law enforcement floating asset, the BFAR MM Patrol Boat 3023, significantly increased the effectiveness of fishery law enforcement apparatus within the city and its immediate vicinity.

 

The joint operation of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (DA-BFAR-FPLEG) of Zamboanga del Norte, Dapitan City police, and the local government of Dapitan was conducted last June 14, 2021.

 

The conduct of the said joint operation is one of the time-tested approaches by which the DA-BFAR-IX reiterates its commitment to its partner agencies and fisherfolk stakeholders, not only in Dapitan City, but throughout the region. 

 

DA-BFAR-IX said that the bureau is serious in performing its mandates and will prove relentless in pursuing and bringing to justice those who knowingly violate the country’s fishery laws. It encourages the public to report incidence of illegal fishing activities in their areas through FPLEG Hotline 0939-936-6832. (RVC/PIA9 with reports from DA-BFAR IX)