Amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Caraga Region (DA-BFAR 13) through its Fisheries Resource Protection Group (FRPG) continue to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities in the waters of Caraga.

The DA-BFAR 13 FRPG team conducted seaborne patrol operation in the waters off Hinatuan Passage, Surigao del Norte. Upon patrolling, the team spotted on Friday, March 27, an unmarked color green, small scale fishing vessel believed to be engaged in the use of Modified Danish Seine or locally known as “liba-liba” along the municipal waters of Punta Sili, Surigao City with grid coordinates of 09°46’56.8’’N, 125°44’54.6’’E.

While approaching the fishing vessel, the fishery law enforcers informed the boat captain to stop the vessel but instead of doing so, they speed up and changed their course direction heading towards Placer, Surigao del Norte.
This resulted to hot pursuit, which lasted about 1.5 hours and eventually led to its apprehension. Notice of Violation was issued to the boat captain, for violating Sections 86, 113, and 115 of Republic Act 10654.