Occidental Mindoro. INQUIRER FILES

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Authorities seized more than a metric ton of fish believed to have been caught through illegal blast fishing and arrested seven individuals during a joint operation in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, at 6:25 a.m. on Wednesday (July 22).

Law enforcers recovered about 900 kilograms of dalagang bukid (yellowtail fusilier) and 105 kilograms of giant trevally with a combined estimated market value of P166,500.

Also confiscated were 23 fish tubs, an unmarked motorized banca worth about P200,000, and a Mitsubishi L300 van valued at around P250,000, which investigators believe was intended to transport the catch.

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READ: P2.6-M catch, gear seized from apprehended Oriental Mindoro vessel

According to the Occidental Mindoro Provincial Fisheries Office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), laboratory findings tie the seized haul to blast fishing, a destructive and illegal fishing method.

The seven suspects were taken to the Sablayan Municipal Police Station for documentation and are to be charged for violating Section 126 of Republic Act No. 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654.

Brig. Gen. Christopher dela Cruz, director of the Mimaropa police office, said in a statement:  “Our marine resources are among Mimaropa’s greatest assets. Protecting them is not only about enforcing the law but also about safeguarding the livelihood of our fisherfolk, ensuring food security, and preserving our environment for future generations.”

The operation was conducted in Barangay San Nicolas by the Sablayan Municipal Police Station in coordination with BFAR, the Occidental Mindoro Maritime Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, the 2nd Occidental Mindoro Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Mimaropa Regional Mobile Force Battalion. /das

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