The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday said it apprehended three fishing bancas that conducted trawl or unauthorized “galadgad” fishing activities in the waters between Masbate and Iloilo.
According to the PCG, the bancas were apprehended on the municipal waters between Balud, Masbate and Gigantes Island, Iloilo during joint seaborne operations with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG) from October 6 to 9, 2024.
The coast guard said the trawls violated several sections of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 involving unauthorized fishing or engaging in other unauthorized fisheries activities, employing unlicensed fish workers, unlicensed gear, and other violations.
The total administrative penalty for the listed violations is estimated at P728,000.
“This underscores the PCG and BFAR’s dedication to safeguarding marine ecosystems, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and ensuring the livelihood of small-scale fisherfolk,” the Coast Guard District Bicol said. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News
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