Major Crackdown on Illegal Fishing in Daanbantayan Waters
In a significant enforcement action, authorities in Daanbantayan, Cebu, have apprehended 35 fishermen and seized illegal fishing equipment valued at approximately P3.7 million. The operation, conducted on February 14, 2026, underscores a strengthened campaign against unlawful fishing practices to protect marine resources.
Details of the Seaborne Operation
Acting on reports of illegal fishing, personnel from the Daanbantayan Municipal Police Station and Bantay Dagat Daanbantayan launched a seaborne operation in the waters of Barangay Carnaza. The fishermen were arrested around 6:00 AM in the western part of Isla de Gato, within the municipality's 15-kilometer municipal waters.
Authorities confirmed that the group was using active fishing gear, specifically purse seine, a method prohibited in this area. This violation prompted the operation, which was carried out to enforce national and local regulations.
Legal Violations and Confiscated Items
The operation targeted multiple breaches of fisheries laws, including:
- Republic Act 10654, Section 86: Unauthorized fishing without proper permits.
- Republic Act 10654, Section 95: Use of active gear in municipal waters.
- Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 246-1, series of 2018, which bans Danish Seine or "hulbot-hulbot."
- Municipal Ordinance 98-02, prohibiting such fishing methods in local waters.
Confiscated items from the operation include:
- A commercial fishing vessel, F/V DB-JOY (body mark: DUH-6753), valued at P1.5 million.
- Active fishing nets estimated at P2 million.
- A radar-GPS unit worth P120,000 and a telescope valued at P5,000.
- 50 containers of various fish species, including Tuloy, Lunos, Burot-burot, and Buraw, with an estimated value of P150,000.
All arrested individuals, along with the vessel and equipment, have been turned over to the appropriate authorities for documentation and case filing.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Impact
This incident follows a previous crackdown in October 2025, where 22 fishermen were arrested for similar illegal fishing activities under national laws and local ordinances. Local officials emphasize that this latest arrest demonstrates a reinforced campaign by the municipal government against illegal fishing.
The goal is to safeguard marine resources and ensure fair opportunities for small-scale fishermen in the region. By enforcing these regulations, authorities aim to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect the biodiversity of Daanbantayan's coastal ecosystems.
