Boat captain nabbed in Occidental Mindoro for hiring unlicensed fishing crew

A boat captain was arrested off the shores of Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro on Saturday morning for allegedly employing unlicensed fishing crew on his commercial fishing vessel, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Sunday, the PNP said its police units arrested the 37-year-old male boat captain during a joint seaborne patrol 11 kilometers off the coast of Barangay Tayamaan in Mamburao town.

Authorities boarded and inspected a commercial fishing vessel and found that the boat captain allegedly employed unlicensed fishing crew, a violation of Republic Act 10654 that amended the 1998 Philippine Fisheries Code.

The PNP seized P6.96 million in assets, including the commercial fishing boat worth P6 million, a marine engine worth P260,000, fishing gear worth P200,000, and seven tons of assorted fish valued at P500,000.

The boat captain and the recovered evidence were brought to the Mamburao Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal processing.

Administrative proceedings will be pursued before the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Adjudication Board, the PNP added.

“Consistent enforcement sends a clear message that illegal activities at sea will not be tolerated. We will continue to uphold the law and protect our resources,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., as he underscored the importance of lawful fishing practices.

“Ang mahigpit na pagbabantay sa ating karagatan ay mahalaga upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at maprotektahan ang kabuhayan ng mga lehitimong mangingisda,” he added.

(Strictly guarding our seas is important to ensure order and protect the livelihood of legitimate fishermen.) — JMA, GMA News