PCG: 3 vessels caught trawling

MANILA, Philippines — Three fishing boats were recently caught by trawl net (galadgad) in the municipal waters of Balud in Masbate and Gigantes Island in Iloilo, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Sunday.

In a statement, the PCG said its joint maritime operations with the Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 5 led to the arrest of the three vessels of the 6 to October 9.

READ: 3 vessels arrested for illegal fishing in Albay

“The trawlers committed violations of Republic Act No. 10654, also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as set forth in the following Sections 86 (unauthorized fishing or engaging in other fishing activities unauthorized); 113 a (employing fishermen without a license); 121 (unlicensed equipment); and 128 (other violations),” the PCG said.

“The total administrative penalty for the apprehended fishing bancas, based on the violations listed, is estimated at P728,000,” it adds.

The agency did not provide further information related to the operations.