Fishery Law Enforcement Team FLET

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The FLET Personnel conducted an information drive in Brgy. 108 Tagpuro, Tacloban City, informing all boat owners to register their boats at the City Agriculturist Office.

The FLET Office will be conducting operations starting July 2026. Boats without proper registration shall be confiscated.

Meanwhile, buno-an owners in the said barangay were also notified to remove their illegal structures built in the water. Structures located within the mariculture zone must be removed immediately. Failure to comply after three notices will result in demolition.

FLET enforcers are now offshore and shoreline conducting an information drive, informing all fishermen to register their boats and fishing gears at the City Agriculturist Office. This initiative aims to strengthen fishery monitoring, ensure compliance with fisheries regulations, and promote responsible fishing activities within municipal waters.

While the FLET enforcers were patrolling the waters of Brgy. 88, an illegal fishing activity locally known as “hulbot-hulbot” was spotted. Enforcers Dominic Astorga, Rannie Cartalla, and Ralph Pacoli, together with Police Officer Bryan Lee Zabala, immediately responded to the area where the illegal operation was ongoing.

Upon noticing the approaching patrol boat, the fishermen abandoned their fishing gears and fled the area.

The confiscated gears were brought to the FLET office for inventory and initial reporting.

The illegal activity is a violation of Republic Act No. 10654, the amended Philippine Fisheries Code.

The FLET inspection team continues to work day and night checking fishing boats docking at the Tacloban City Fish Market. The team is not only inspecting documents but also monitoring for female blue swimming crabs carrying eggs, which are prohibited from being caught and sold.

During nighttime operations, the team also checks fish cargos arriving from other regions to ensure they have complete documents such as auxiliary receipts and transport permits. Any cargo found violating the regulations will either be held or returned to its place of origin.

These operations are part of the continuing efforts to protect marine resources and ensure compliance with fishery laws and regulations.

Two green sea turtles were accidentally caught by Enjie Soyosa and Ernesto Soyosa, both residents of Brgy. Rawis Anibong, Tacloban City.

According to the fishermen, the turtles were caught using a longline (kitang) while they were fishing near Leyte Park Hotel at around 5:20 PM yesterday. The fishermen immediately turned over the turtles to the FLET office.

Upon assessment by DENR personnel, both turtles were found to be in good health. After proper documentation and data gathering, the turtles were safely released back into the sea.

Name: May
Gender: Female
Length: 58 cm
Width: 50 cm
Condition: healthy

Name: Laila
Gender: Female
Length: 48 cm
Width: 39 cm
Condition: healthy

Seminar on Fishery Law Enforcement

Conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

The seminar focused on strengthening the implementation of fisheries laws, particularly the provisions of Republic Act No. 10654, which amended Republic Act No. 8550.

Key Highlights of RA 10654 (Fisheries Law Enforcement)

1. Strengthened Law Enforcement Authority
RA 10654 empowers fishery law enforcement officers, including BFAR personnel, Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime Group, and deputized local officers, to:

*Conduct inspection and monitoring of fishing vessels

*Board and search vessels suspected of illegal fishing

*Seize fishing gear, catch, and vessels used in violations

*Perform arrest and apprehension of violators

2. Coverage of Municipal Waters
Municipal waters extend up to 15 kilometers from the shoreline

*These areas are exclusively reserved for small-scale or municipal fisherfolk

*Commercial fishing vessels operating in these waters without authorization are considered illegal

3. Illegal Fishing Activities (Examples)
RA 10654 penalizes:

*Use of explosives, poison, or electricity

*Commercial fishing in municipal waters

*Fishing without proper license or permit

*Use of fine mesh nets and destructive gear

*Fishing in closed seasons or protected areas

4. Apprehension Procedures

Law enforcement officers must:

*Properly identify themselves and state the violation

*Ensure safety and lawful conduct during arrest

*Conduct inventory and documentation of confiscated items

*File appropriate charges and reports

*Coordinate with local government units and courts

5. Penalties and Fines

RA 10654 imposes heavier penalties compared to previous laws:

*Fines can range from thousands to millions of pesos, depending on the offense

*Confiscation of catch, gear, and vessels

*Cancellation of licenses and permits

*Possible imprisonment for serious violations

6. Importance of Enforcement

*Protects marine resources from depletion

*Ensures sustainable fishing practices

*Safeguards the livelihood of municipal fisherfolk

*Maintains ecological balance in coastal areas

FLET Inspection on Fishing Cargo at Tacloban Fish Port

The FLET inspection team continues to conduct regular monitoring and inspection of fishing cargo entering the Tacloban Fish Port.

During inspection, all transported fishery products must be accompanied by complete and valid documents, specifically the Transport Permit and Auxiliary Receipt. These documents must be secured and presented prior to entry into the fish port.

Operation Against Fishing Vessels Without Permit/License to Operate

On April 8, 2026, at approximately 3:15 AM, FLET personnel, together with Patrolman Bryan Lee Zabala, conducted an operation and verification of fishing vessels along Quezon Boulevard, particularly at the back of the supermarket.

During the operation, two trawl fishing vessels were found operating without the necessary permit or license. The operators of the said vessels were advised to secure the required permits before continuing their fishing activities.

FLET Seaborne Patrol Report

At around 10:00 AM on February 18, 2026, FLET Enforcers conducting a routine patrol in the seawaters of Brgy. 88 (Timex), San Jose, Tacloban City, encountered a banca engaged in illegal fishing activity.

Upon noticing the approaching authorities, the fisherman fled the scene, evading arrest and abandoning the illegal fishing gear. The confiscated gear consisted of approximately 200 meters of fine mesh net, locally known as modified Danish Seine or “Liba-liba.”

The abandoned illegal fishing gear is now under the custody of the FLET Office for proper documentation and legal action.

This act constitutes a violation of Republic Act No. 10654, specifically Section 95, which penalizes illegal fishing activities.