Facing the persistent challenge of policing remote and hard-to-reach inland waters, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Cordillera Administrative Region (BFAR-CAR) has taken a decisive step to strengthen enforcement against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Through a two-day workshop to draft a Fisheries Office Order (FOO) for Foot Patrol Operations, the bureau is moving to institutionalize a ground-level strategy aimed at closing enforcement gaps and reinforcing fisheries governance in some of the Cordillera’s remote communities.
“Establishing clear and effective standard operating procedures is essential to properly guide foot patrol operations and ensure the protection of our aquatic resources,” emphasized Ms. Carmelita B. Bolla, Chief Fishing Regulations Officer in her welcome remarks.
In the Cordillera, the use of foot patrols in conducting Fishery Law Enforcement Operations (FLEO) across identified river hotspots has emerged as a practical and effective approach. This strategy, which aligns with the objectives of the FishCoRe’s FishCRRM Component—particularly Subcomponent 1.3 on Strengthening Management of Coastal Resources in Municipal Waters—enhances enforcement visibility, strengthens deterrence, and promotes compliance with fisheries laws. It also supports the collection of real-time data and field intelligence crucial for more responsive and effective Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) planning and implementation.
Despite its demonstrated effectiveness, foot patrol operations have yet to be formally recognized in the current Fishery Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (FLEMO) as a standard strategy to address IUU fishing. To bridge this gap, the drafting of a Fisheries Office Order (FOO) establishing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for foot patrol operations was initiated, following recommendations from the Fisheries Resources Management Division (FRMD) of the BFAR-Central Office. The move seeks to institutionalize and standardize the approach across applicable areas.
Resource speakers from FRMD – Coastal and Ecological Protection Section, Central Office, Ms. Abegail G. Fabriquel and Mr. Junrey L. Salinas, facilitated discussions on site, while Ms. Mary Rose C. Martin and Mr. Edmar Kristopher P. Petallana shared technical guidance via Zoom.
One concern raised during the discussions was the handling of violations encountered outside the current SOP. One particular issue highlighted was the scenario wherein patrol teams may encounter illegal activities such as electrofishing, an offense under Section 92 of the amended Fisheries Code, in areas near fishponds, fish cages, and fish pens. Mr. Junior Caesar B. Martinez, Fishing Regulations Officer 1 of Abra sought clarification on the appropriate course of action in such cases, especially when these incidents fall outside the defined scope of foot patrol responsibilities.
In response to this, Mr. Salinas underscored the importance of prioritizing the safety of enforcement officers, particularly when dealing with incidents in privately owned areas. “If we would like to enforce let’s put it in the manual na bago natin siya hulihin there should be a coordination with the barangay or the local government para sila yong sasama sa atin sa mismong area bago natin kausapin yong mismong may-ari, as long as napicturan natin yong may-ari, na doon nag-occur yong mismong electrofishing, kasi kapag nakita natin na nag-eelectro fishing sila, tapos papasok tayo agad that is a trespassing, pero pag idaan natin niyan sa proper channel kasi yong area na yan sakop yan ng LGU tsaka ng barangay, sa kanila natin i-address tsaka tayo pumasok sa area yon mas legal yon, kaysa basta basta tayong papasok baka tayo ang mabaliktad yong situation, tayo pa ang makasuhan”, he explained.
Meanwhile, Mr. Roy L. Garcia, Fishing Regulations Officer 1 of Apayao province shared their practices on dealing with the situation. “Ito kasi yong best practices namin sa Apayao, yong ginawa ko regarding sa rice fields, nagpameeting ako sa mga barangay captains regarding sa doon sa pagkuha ng rice eels sasabihin ko na, tapos pinagather ko lahat ng gumagamit ng electro-fishing device sa pagkuha ng rice eel, pinameeting ko tapos gumawa kami ng internal arrangement and bago sila pumunta sa rice field na kukuha ng rice eel, magpa-alam at maglologbook muna sila doon sa barangay, tapos kung 30 sila hindi sila sabay-sabay dapat five, five fisherfolk per night kasjay koma, adda agkadwa da kenyada, may sasama sa kanila na barangay tanod para maiswasan nila na pupunta doon sa open waters, yon yong ginawa ko na internal arrangement”, he noted.
To validate the applicability of the draft SOP, a simulation exercise was conducted at the Amburayan River in Kapangan. The team paid a courtesy call to Barangay Captain Mr. Super O. Agyao of Barangay Cuba, whose jurisdiction covers the activity site. With the assistance of the Barangay Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), participants conducted a walkthrough of areas where illegal fishing activities have been reported. Although no violations were observed, the exercise provided valuable insights, allowing the team to test procedures in a real-world setting, identify potential gaps, and further refine the SOP.
The workshop concluded with the initial finalization of the FOO-SOP, incorporating all revisions from the simulation and insights of participants who shared their field experiences as aligned with program objectives. The document will undergo further format review before submission to the Regional Director for approval and issuance as a Regional Fisheries Office Order (RFOO). It will also be endorsed to the Region I Legal Unit for legal review and to the FRMD-Central Office for guidance and possible endorsement to the Bureau Director for adoption as a national FOO.
Once institutionalized, the FOO-SOP is expected to serve as a model for other regions and may be considered for inclusion in future revisions of the Fishery Law Enforcement Manual of Operations, further strengthening nationwide efforts against illegal fishing.//
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