LAWMEN have arrested an owner of commercial fishing vessel and impounded the watercraft in a law enforcement operation for violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code, the police said.
Police Major Benzar Mukarram, Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station (ZDS Marpsta) chief, withheld the identity of the impounded commercial fishing vessel pending further investigation.
Mukarram said the arrest and impoundment was implemented on Thursday, June 5, in the coastal waters of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur.
Mukarram said the ZDS Marpsta personnel were conducting seaborne patrol when they chanced upon the vessel on fishing venture.
He said during the inspection, the commercial fishing vessel was found to be operating in violation of Section 113 of Republic Act 10654.
"This provision strictly prohibits the employment of unlicensed fisherfolk, fish workers, or crew on board commercial fishing vessels," he said in a statement.
He said fishing vessel and the apprehended owner were brought to the ZDS Marpsta for proper documentation and disposition. (SunStar Zamboanga)