Around P50 million worth of tamban fish and fishing paraphernalia were seized from two vessels allegedly involved in illegal fishing in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.
Authorities responded to a report that two fishing vessels were allegedly fishing illegally in the area.
The 43 crew members on board reportedly failed to show legal documents for the cargo, prompting the authorities to confiscate around 2,000 kilos of tamban fish and fishing paraphernalia.
The vessels reportedly came from Zamboanga City.
Police arrested the two boat captains but they were released after posting bail.
On the other hand, the confiscated fish were distributed to residents of the town.
The local government said illegal fishing is prohibited under a municipal ordinance to protect the livelihood of the fisherfolk in the town.
Because of the incident, police have beefed up its campaign against illegal fishing.
“Sinunod talaga ‘yung municipal ordinance sa illegal fishing, kung sakali, hindi i-implement, magugutom yung mga pamilya. Puwede silang dumaan, huwag lang manghuli. Dapat lang na hindi na sila papasukin dito para maiwasan na mahuli sila,” Sirawai Municipal Police Station Chief, Captain Ronal Pactol, said.
