Major Crackdown on Illegal Fishing in Northern Cebu Nets P3.7 Million in Assets and 35 Arrests
In a significant enforcement operation, authorities in Daanbantayan, the northernmost town of Cebu, seized at least P3.7 million worth of alleged illegal fishing assets and apprehended 35 fishermen on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The incident occurred in Barangay Carnaza, underscoring a robust campaign against unlawful fishing practices in the region.
Operation Details and Seizures
According to a statement released by the Daanbantayan Public Information Office on Facebook, personnel from the Daanbantayan Municipal Police Station and Bantay Dagat Daanbantayan conducted a seaborne operation in the waters of Barangay Carnaza. This action was prompted by reports of illegal fishing activities in the area. The fishermen were arrested around 6 a.m. in the western waters off Isla de Gato in Barangay Carnaza.
Confiscated items included a commercial fishing vessel valued at P1.5 million, fishing nets estimated at P2 million, a radar-GPS unit worth about P120,000, a telescope valued at P5,000, and 50 banyeras of assorted fish, including species like tuloy, lunos, burot-burot, and buraw, with an estimated worth of P150,000. The apprehended individuals, along with the seized vessel, equipment, and catch, were turned over to proper authorities for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
Legal Violations and Penalties
The operation targeted violations of Republic Act (RA) 10654, also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, specifically Section 86 on unauthorized fishing and Section 95 on the use of active gear in municipal waters. RA 10654 strengthens fisheries regulations by amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550) to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
This law prohibits unauthorized fishing, such as fishing without a license or commercial fishing in municipal waters reserved for small-scale fisherfolk, as well as the use of active fishing gear in these areas. Violators face severe penalties, including confiscation of catch and gear, fines ranging from P20,000 for municipal fishing to P500,000 for large-scale commercial fishing, and imprisonment of two to six years if convicted. Additionally, the fishermen allegedly violated Fisheries Office Administrative Order (FOA) 246-1, series of 2018, and Municipal Ordinance 98-02, which ban specific fishing methods like Danish Seine and "hulbot-hulbot."
Context and Government Response
Authorities recalled that in October 2025, 22 fishermen were also arrested for illegal fishing, with cases filed under national fisheries laws and municipal ordinances. Municipal officials emphasized that this latest apprehension highlights the local government's intensified campaign against illegal fishing. The goal is to protect marine resources, ensure equitable access for small-scale fisherfolk, preserve the town's marine ecosystem, and safeguard the livelihood of marginalized fishermen for future generations.
Sustained enforcement efforts are crucial in combating IUU fishing, which threatens biodiversity and the economic stability of coastal communities. This operation serves as a stern warning to violators and reinforces the commitment to upholding environmental laws and promoting sustainable fishing practices in the Philippines.
