The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (BFAR-12) seized a baggage containing at least 43 live piranhas from a bus that arrived at a public terminal in General Santos City.

BFAR-12 personnel found the fish inside a plastic bag when the baggage was opened for inspection at the terminal on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

The piranhas, a prohibited species, were reportedly purchased online by several pet keepers in the city from a seller based in Cagayan de Oro City.

Authorities temporarily took custody of a 16-year-old boy, one of the buyers, who went to the terminal to claim 10 piranhas that he bought worth around P2,000.

“Ang nakakalungkot, out of curiosity nga itong ating mga fishkeeper na mga bata, umuorder nga sila, bumili and hindi nila alam na bawal… since minor yung consignee, hindi naman natin pwedeng ikulong… kinausap na lang siya kasama yung parents niya para i-educate na bawal yun,” BFAR-12 Senior Fisheries Regulatioin Officer, Edison Pesario, said.

BFAR explained that introducing and selling piranha is prohibited since 1979 under Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

Authorities added that piranhas are known to be highly invasive and can cause serious damage to natural ecosystems if they escape into local waters.

“Kaya nang inamiyemdahan yung Republic Act 8550 o Fisheries Code of the Philippines inamiyendahan ng Republic Act 10654, nasa section 1-4 na anumang gagawin or mag-introduce or magdadala ng anumang uri ng isda galing ng ibang bansa or kahit saan na-i-introduce sa Pilipinas is mahigpit na ipinagbabawal. Sa R.A 10654, yung multa, lumaki na up to P5 million,” Pesario said.

The fry or juvenile piranhas are believed to have originated from Indonesia and were bred or raised in the country for sale.

BFAR-12 has coordinated with officials from BFAR-10 to identify and arrest the seller in Cagayan de Oro City.

The piranhas are set to be sent to the BFAR Central Office for examination.