Iloilo’s coastal waters remain under watch as authorities intercepted two fishing boats allegedly using the prohibited modified bag net, locally known as “siklob,” in separate operations off the waters of Concepcion on Sunday morning.
The joint operation by the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF), Regional Intelligence Unit 6 (RIU 6), and the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company (2IPMFC) resulted in the apprehension of two boat operators and the confiscation of fishing boats, gear and an estimated 10 kilograms of assorted fish.
Authorities first intercepted one of the fishing boats at about 4:30 a.m. in the marine waters off Culebra Island in Barangay Taloto-an, Concepcion.
About 20 minutes later, a second fishing boat was apprehended in the waters off Bocot Island, also in Barangay Taloto-an.
The two boats were reportedly caught actively engaged in fishing using modified bag nets, locally known as “siklob.”
The confiscated boats were valued at P200,000, while their fishing paraphernalia were estimated at P100,000 in total.
The operation also yielded about 10 kilograms of assorted fish worth P5,000. Instead of going to waste, the catch will be distributed to government hospitals and charitable institutions.
The apprehended fishermen were informed of their constitutional rights in a dialect they understood, according to the task force.
The confiscated boats and fishing gear are currently in IPBDTF custody pending the payment of the required compromise fines to the local government unit.
For coastal communities, authorities said enforcement efforts such as these are vital in ensuring that Iloilo’s marine resources remain productive and accessible to legitimate fishermen and future generations.
📷Raul Banias
#morprogresiloilo