Maritime enforcers seize over P3-M worth of illegal gear, catch

Manila: Authorities seized more than PHP3 million worth of fishing gear and boats in a joint operation at Lamon Bay near Balesin Island, Polillo, Quezon on Thursday. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said four unmarked fishing boats (buli-buli) were spotted operating illegally about 12 kilometers from the shoreline of Balesin. 'Upon inspection, one of the fishing vessels painted blue and found to be unregistered, was apprehended, while another boat evaded capture by fleeing in a different direction,' stated the situation report Friday. The confiscated fishing boats and equipment were estimated to have a market value of PHP3 million while their seized catch of 1,200 kilograms of assorted fish are worth approximately PHP216,000. 'The fishing boats will be transported to Polillo or further investigation, with appropriate charges to follow,' it said. PCG members assisted in securing the area and towing the apprehended vessel to the port of Polillo. The operators of the vessels may be charged with violations of the Philippine Fisheries Code. Source: Philippines News Agency