A joint anti-illegal fishing operation conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard, BFAR/DENR Bantay-Dagat personnel, and the Madridejos Municipal Police Station resulted in the apprehension of two individuals allegedly involved in illegal fishing activities within the municipal waters of Poblacion, Madridejos on May 13, 2026.
Authorities identified the apprehended individuals as a 56-year-old fishing boat captain from Carles and a 63-year-old fishing boat mechanic from Bantayan.
According to authorities, the suspects were allegedly caught in the act conducting illegal fishing operations during the joint maritime enforcement operation in the seawaters of Poblacion, Madridejos.
During the operation, law enforcement personnel confiscated one fishing boat valued at approximately ₱2 million, five bath tubs containing assorted fish estimated to be worth ₱10,500, and several fishing paraphernalia allegedly used in the illegal fishing activity.
PCOL Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr. commended the operating teams for their coordinated efforts in protecting marine resources and strengthening environmental law enforcement operations across Cebu Province.
“Cebu PPO remains committed in supporting the protection of our coastal and marine resources through intensified maritime law enforcement operations. Illegal fishing activities threaten marine biodiversity and the livelihood of our fisherfolk, thus we will continue to strengthen our collaboration with partner agencies to stop these unlawful practices,” Mangelen said.
The apprehended individuals, together with the recovered evidence, were brought to the Madridejos Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Meanwhile, the confiscated fishing vessel was turned over to BFAR/DENR Bantay-Dagat personnel for safekeeping pending further legal proceedings.
Source: PNP Cebu Police Provincial Office/Facebook
Comments