July 12, 2026 • BY MARK MORALES

Illegal Fishing Crackdown: 3 Fishers Arrested in Carles and Concepcion, Iloilo

Written by Mark Morales
Published: July 13, 2026
Source: Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) – Bantay Dagat Task Force

Marine conservation and law enforcement efforts in northern Iloilo have yielded another successful result, as authorities apprehended three individuals for illegal fishing activities in separate operations along the coasts of Carles and Concepcion.

According to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) through its Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force, the operations were carried out to stop destructive practices that threaten the sustainability of local fisheries and marine ecosystems.

📍 Details of the Apprehensions

In Carles

The first arrest took place off the waters of Isla Decaña. Two fishermen, both residents of Estancia, were caught red-handed using dynamite — also known as blast fishing. This method does not only target fish but also destroys coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine habitats, leaving waters unproductive for many years.

In Concepcion

In a separate patrol, authorities intercepted one fisherman found operating inside a declared Marine Protected Area (MPA). These zones are legally closed to fishing to allow fish stocks to replenish and ecosystems to recover, ensuring food security and livelihood for present and future generations.

All three suspects are currently under the custody of the Bantay Dagat Task Force. They will undergo documentation, and fish samples will be sent to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for laboratory verification. Formal charges will be filed once all evidence is complete.

📈 Part of a Larger Regional Crackdown

This latest operation is part of intensified enforcement across Western Visayas during the first half of 2026.

Data from IPPO shows:

• 86 individuals apprehended since January 2026
• 4 cases already filed in court
• Patrols target five major illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) practices:
  • Dynamite or blast fishing
  • Trawl fishing
  • Hulbot-hulbot (Danish seine)
  • Use of fine-mesh nets
  • Operations of unregistered commercial fishing vessels

Enforcement Hotspots: Police records confirm that the waters of Carles, Estancia, and Concepcion remain the top areas for illegal fishing incidents. Most violators come from neighboring provinces, particularly Negros Occidental and Masbate.

📅 Recent Enforcement Record

• May 10, 2026: Two fishermen from Masbate City were arrested for dynamite fishing off Culebra Island, Carles.
• April 19 – May 19, 2026: In just one month, 41 persons were arrested and 24 fishing vessels impounded across seven municipalities including Concepcion.
• July 5, 2026: Five boats were intercepted for trawl fishing off Barangay Malangabang, Concepcion; BFAR later confirmed that fish seized from one vessel were caught using explosives.

⚖️ Legal Consequences

These violations carry heavy penalties under Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code:

• Use or possession of explosives for fishing: Imprisonment of 5 to 10 years, plus fines and permanent confiscation of the boat, gear, and catch.
• Unauthorized fishing in protected areas: Also punishable by fines and imprisonment under both the Fisheries Code and the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act.

💬 Why This Matters

IPPO emphasized that protecting municipal waters is not just about enforcing laws — it is about safeguarding the main source of income and food for thousands of legitimate small-scale fishermen in Iloilo. When destructive practices damage the sea, it is the local communities who suffer the most.

“The crackdown will continue until illegal fishing is eliminated. We are working closely with BFAR, the Philippine Coast Guard, and local government units to ensure our seas remain productive and protected for everyone,” the IPPO statement read.

Source: Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO)