Up to 30 people were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing activities in Sarangani.

Personnel of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) intercepted two motorized bancas allegedly involved in illegal fishing approximately two nautical miles from the shoreline of Barangay Colon in Maasim town.

NFEM said illegal fishing practices is a violation of the Philippines Fisheries Code (RA 10654), which prohibits the use of fine mesh nets, commonly known as “likom-likom.”

Authorities seized the motorized bancas and other items, including fishing gear and fish catch, worth more than P471,000.

The 30 crew members on board the fishing bancas were turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-12 for custody and filing of appropriate charges.

“This successful operation underscores the commitment of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao to safeguarding the nation's marine resources and enforcing maritime laws in partnership with other government agencies,” NFEM said.