The joint elements of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force, 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, Carles Municipal Police Station, and the Regional Intelligence Unit intercepted an illegal fishing operation in the waters of Carles on May 11, 2026.
Seven individuals were apprehended engaging in trawl fishing. Five of them are residents of Estancia while one is from Balasan and the other is from Carles.
The operation resulted in the seizure of the fishing vessel and its paraphernalia which are currently held by the IPBDTF. Additionally, P7,000 worth of assorted fish was recovered which will be donated to government hospitals and charitable institutions.
Trawl fishing involves the use of a gear made of heavy nets that sweep the bottom of the sea. This fishing method destroys marine ecosystem.
The Iloilo provincial government strengthens the enforcement of maritime laws to safeguard the Visayan Sea and its vital marine resources.