Three fishermen were arrested after they were allegedly caught fishing illegaly off the coast of Barangay Estanza in Lingayen, Pangasinan, authorities said.

The Pangasinan Maritime Police Station said the three men were intercepted during a routine seaborne patrol.

Police Captain Rachel Corpuz, PCR Officer of the PNP Regional Maritime Unit 1, said the fishermen failed to present the required documents allowing them to fish in the area.

"Sila po ay nilapitan natin at tinanong natin kung may mga kaukulang dokumento para sila ay mangisda sa lugar na 'yun, pero wala silang na-provide at naipakita sa atin," she said.

Authorities confiscated the fishermen's boat and fishing nets.

Police said the suspects were using fine mesh nets, which are prohibited under Philippine law because they catch juvenile fish and threaten marine resources.

Corpuz said it has intensified patrols across the province's maritime zone to stop illegal fishing and other unlawful activities at sea.

"Lahat ng klase ng ilegal na gawain na maaari nilang gamitin o gawin sa ating karagatan, na puwede nilang idaan ang kanilang illegal activities, halimbawa gaya ng smuggling, kaya tayo nagpapatrol para masiguro nating walang makakalusot sa Pangasinan," she said.

Legitimate fishermen welcomed the intensified enforcement, saying it helps protect marine resources and supports the livelihood of small-scale fishers.

"Malaking bagay na hinuhuli nila ang mga iligal kasi para hindi kawawa ang mga maliliit na isda. Lalaki pa ang mga isda,” Jomari Agustin, one of the fishermen, said.

Authorities have filed charges against the three suspects who are yet to release a statement, as of posting.