PCG: 3 vessels caught trawling

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

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

READ: 3 vessels held for illegal fishing in Albay

“The trawls committed violations of the Republic Act 10654 also known as The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as stated in the following sections 86 (unauthorized fishing or engaging in other unauthorized fisheries activities); 113 a (employing unlicensed fish workers); 121 (unlicensed gear); and 128 (other violations),” the PCG said.

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

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