At least nine of 10 persons were arrested for dynamite fishing in the waters of Concepcion town, Province of Iloilo. 

The fishermen were on board two boats. They were apprehended by personnel of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) after they were reportedly caught in the act engaged in dynamite fishing in Sitio Baliguian, Barangay Mangalabang, Concepcion town on April 1, 2025.

Dr. Raul Banias, Iloilo provincial administrator and head of the IPBDTF, confirmed the arrest in an interview with GMA Super Radyo Iloilo.

The nine persons were identified to be residents of Barangay Batuanan, Carles town in Iloilo, while the other person of minor age is from Barangay Balat-an, Mambusao town in the Province of Capiz. 

The nine fishermen were charged for violation of Section 92 of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act 10645.

Banias said that when the authorities approached the fishing boats, the suspects poured their catch back to the sea.

However, the task force was still able to confiscate around 20 kilos of assorted fish estimated to be worth P3,600.

The boats along with fishing paraphernalia have been placed under the custody of the task force. Filing of charges is set on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. 

The Iloilo Provincial Government has reminded fishermen to always abide by the law in order to protect marine resources that sustain life and livelihood, and to avert facing cases on illegal fishing.