Two fishermen were apprehended in the municipal waters of Currimao, Ilocos Norte, for allegedly engaging in illegal compressor fishing, a practice banned under local fisheries regulations due to serious risks to human life and marine resources. The suspects were turned over to authorities on 6 February 2026, following a sea-borne patrol operation.

Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Ilocos Norte Station, based in Barangay Victoria, Currimao, presented the two men at around 10:01 a.m. on 6 February. They were identified as George Laforga, 57, and Daniel Ibuos, 31, both residents of Barangay La Virgen, Badoc, Ilocos Norte. The pair were allegedly caught entering Currimao’s municipal waters without authority and fishing with the use of a compressor, an illegal fishing paraphernalia under local law.

According to the PCG report, the two were spotted at around 10:35 p.m. on 5 February 2026, fishing with a compressor off the waters of Barangay Victoria, Currimao. Compressor fishing involves divers breathing air pumped from the surface through a hose connected to a gasoline or diesel compressor, instead of using proper scuba gear, allowing them to stay underwater for long periods to spear or collect fish. This method is widely considered dangerous because divers often bite directly on plastic hoses without regulators, gauges, or safety devices, exposing them to decompression sickness, lung injuries, and contaminated air, as well as accidents from unregulated diving practices that can lead to paralysis or death.

The suspects were found in violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 2005-02, particularly Section 72, which strictly prohibits fishing through explosives, noxious or poisonous substances, electricity, or the use of compressor machines for fishing. Article X, Section 70 of the same ordinance also bans unauthorized fishing and other fisheries activities in municipal waters without the necessary license, lease, or permit. Only residents of Currimao of legal age, accredited people’s organizations in the municipality, and individuals or parties granted permits or leases by the Sangguniang Bayan, in consultation with the FARMC, are allowed to engage in fishing and related activities.

During the presentation of the apprehended fishermen to the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Erickson Biag conducted a briefing to inform them of the specific provisions they had violated, the nature of compressor fishing, and the corresponding penalties. Under Section 70, violators face a fine of ₱500 each for the first offense and ₱1,000 plus confiscation of catch for the second offense. Section 72 provides for a ₱500 fine per person and the confiscation of fishing paraphernalia used in the illegal activity.

Authorities emphasized that compressor fishing is prohibited not only because it circumvents licensing rules but also because it endangers the lives of divers and accelerates the destruction of marine ecosystems. By allowing divers to stay underwater longer and reach deeper areas, compressor fishing can quickly deplete fish stocks, including juvenile and breeding fish, and often results in damage to coral reefs and habitats as divers pry marine life from crevices and walk or drag gear over corals.

The municipal government reiterated that it is serious in cracking down on illegal activities within Currimao’s municipal waters. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, the PNP Maritime Group, and the Currimao Municipal Police Station. Mayor Edward “Boyet” Quilala expressed strong support for the enforcement campaign and reaffirmed his opposition to illegal fishing practices within his jurisdiction, stressing the need to protect both fisherfolk’s safety and the town’s marine resources for future generations.