4 Fishermen Arrested for Illegal Fishing in San Dionisio Waters

San Dionisio, Iloilo — June 18, 2026

By Mark Morales.

ILOILO — Four fishermen are now in custody after the Iloilo Maritime Police intercepted their motorbancas for operating without valid fishing permits off Barangay Nipa, San Dionisio, early Thursday morning.

The operation took place at dawn on June 18, 2026. Authorities identified the arrested individuals as boat captains alias June and alias Yoli, and crew members alias Zandro and alias Jorgen.

According to the police report, the group violated Section 76 of San Dionisio Municipal Ordinance No. 12-3, which prohibits fishing within municipal waters without proper authorization from the local government.

Items seized during the operation:

• 2 motorized bancas • Assorted fishing gear • Approximately 20 kilos of sardines, locally known as tamban, with an estimated market value of P1,000 

All confiscated vessels and items are currently in the custody of the Iloilo Maritime Police for proper documentation and disposition.

Municipal Ordinance No. 12-3 was implemented to regulate fishing activities and protect marine resources in San Dionisio. The Iloilo Maritime Police said regular seaborne patrols are conducted to enforce the ordinance and curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

The arrested fishermen are set to face appropriate charges under the municipal ordinance.

Sources:

1. K5 News Sara, via field reporter Redgie Demayo 2. Original report by Keziah Janaysay, June 18, 2026 3. Iloilo Maritime Police initial incident report