THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Central Visayas and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) assured they would prevent corruption with higher fines and penalties under Republic Act 10654 or the Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.
Commodore Enrico Efren Evangelista, commander for PCG in Central Visayas, said that operations against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing will be done in tandem.
“Operations will be done with PCG, BFAR-7, and other concerned agencies to prevent any form of corruption,” Evangelista said during 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.
Under the law, the boat captain, three highest officers of the commercial vessel and the owner or operator who engage in illegal fishing will be penalized with confiscation of catch and gear and an administrative fine five times the value of the catch.
BFAR-7 Regional Director Andres Bojos said that apprehended items will be placed in two isites in Cebu — Carmen town and Bogo City.
“Personnel there will look after the security of the apprehended items,” Bojos said.
BFAR-7 has also trained a quick response team (QRT) as a form of check and balance.
Fishing operators were encouraged to register their vessels. About 207,000 commercial vessels are now registered in the region.