14/04/2026
PNP NABS BOAT CAPTAIN, ₱6.9M HAUL SEIZED IN FISHERIES LAW VIOLATION OFF MINDORO
The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested a 37-year-old male boat captain at around 7:30 AM on April 11, 2026, during a maritime enforcement operation conducted about 11 kilometers off the shoreline of Brgy. Tayamaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, for violation of Section 113 of Republic Act 10654 involving the employment of unlicensed fishing crew.
The arrest stemmed from a joint seaborne patrol led by the Occidental Mindoro Maritime Police Station, with support from the Mamburao Municipal Police Station, 402nd Marine Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company. Authorities boarded and inspected a commercial fishing vessel where they uncovered non-compliance with fisheries regulations, prompting the immediate apprehension of the vessel’s captain.
Seized during the operation were assets with a total estimated value of ₱6,960,000.00, consisting of a commercial fishing vessel worth ₱6,000,000.00, a marine engine valued at ₱260,000.00, fishing gear amounting to ₱200,000.00, and an estimated seven tons of assorted fish valued at ₱500,000.00. The apprehended individual and all recovered evidence were transported to the Mamburao Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal processing, with administrative proceedings to be pursued before the BFAR Adjudication Board. Field personnel continue operations as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
Aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda—an operational direction for institutional transformation—the operation reflects the organization’s strengthened approach to enhanced managing police operations, particularly in maritime law enforcement, ensuring that illegal fishing practices are curtailed and accountability is upheld.
PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed the importance of sustained maritime enforcement to protect lawful fishing practices.
“Consistent enforcement sends a clear message that illegal activities at sea will not be tolerated. We will continue to uphold the law and protect our resources,” he said.
“Ang mahigpit na pagbabantay sa ating karagatan ay mahalaga upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at maprotektahan ang kabuhayan ng mga lehitimong mangingisda,” he added.
As the PNP strengthens its efforts in enforcing fisheries laws and safeguarding marine resources under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)