Authorities in Zamboanga City have apprehended three individuals and confiscated a significant haul of illegal fishing paraphernalia in a decisive maritime law enforcement drive. The operations, which took place over two days, resulted in the seizure of fishing gear and equipment valued at approximately P865,500.
Maritime Police Nab Three in Sangali Waters
The Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station (ZC Marpsta) spearheaded a series of targeted seaborne patrols from Monday, December 22, until Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The focus of these operations was the coastal waters near Sangali village in Zamboanga City.
During the missions, lawmen successfully arrested three fishermen. The ZC Marpsta identified the suspects using their aliases: Asli, 41, from Sangali village, Zamboanga City; Jawat, 32, a resident of Tampalan village in Isabela City, Basilan; and Jai, 44, from Arena Blanco village, Zamboanga City.
Substantial Contraband Confiscated
The enforcement actions led to the confiscation of a considerable array of items used for illegal fishing. The seized contraband included:
- Three motorboats
- Multiple ice boxes
- Assorted fishing nets
The total estimated value of all confiscated fishing gears and equipment reached P865,500, underscoring the scale of the intercepted operation.
Legal Consequences and Official Statement
The three arrested fishermen now face formal charges for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, which was strengthened by Republic Act 10654. This law is explicitly designed to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities across the country's waters.
In an official statement released on Saturday, December 27, 2025, the ZC Marpsta emphasized its commitment to protecting marine resources. "With every seaborne patrol launched and every law enforced, the message is clear: the ocean is not a haven for illegality, but a resource of the people that deserves to be protected," the police unit declared.
This recent crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts of Philippine maritime authorities to safeguard coastal ecosystems and enforce sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that the country's vital marine resources are preserved for lawful fishermen and future generations.
