PHILIPPINE Navy troops seized 27 improvised explosives and bomb-making components as well as P15,000 worth of fish caught through dynamite explosion off the province of Tawi-Tawi, a Navy official said Saturday, May 2.

Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) command chief, said the improvised explosives and bomb-making components were seized when the troops aboard BRP-Emilio Jacinto (PS35) intercepted three motorboats engaged in illegal fishing last week some 250 yards northwest of Sikalong-Kalong Island, Pearl Bank, Tawi-Tawi.

Kagaoan identified the three motorboats as F/B Lady Sara, F/B Miss Mina 2018 and F/B Julma manned by six fishermen.

He said the six arrested fishermen, whose names were not released, are all residents of Sitio Baabag, Hasa-Hasa (Taja Island), Darul Akram village, Pearl Bank, Tawi-Tawi.

The fishermen and motorboats were turned over to the village officials for proper disposition and imposition of fines and penalties.

“The apprehension of the illegal fishermen bespeaks well of the Philippine Navy’s never-ending commitment and dedication to protect the maritime environment and its resources from any destructive and illegal fishing activities in support to,” Kagaoan said. (SunStar Zamboanga)