MUNICIPAL FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

RESOLUTION NO. 5 S. 2024

A RESOLUTION APPEALING THE ISSUANCE OF A MISLEADING PERMIT TO

OPERATE TO A SMALL-SCALE COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL USING ACTIVE
GEAR IN MUNICIPAL WATERS

WHEREAS, the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC)
of Claveria, Masbate is mandated by Republic Act No. 8550, also known as the Philippine
Fisheries Code, to manage and conserve fishery and aquatic resources within the municipality;

WHEREAS, the MFARMC is responsible for the protection of the livelihood of fisherfolk in
Claveria, Masbate, particularly those engaged in small-scale fisheries and adhering to sustainable
practices;

WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the MFARMC that a small-scale commercial fishing
vessel operated by fishermen from Claveria, Masbate was apprehended by the Philippine Coast
Guard for using active gear within the municipal waters of Aroroy, Masbate;

WHEREAS, said apprehension resulted in the arrest and penalty for the fishermen involved,
causing disruption to their livelihood and economic hardship;

WHEREAS, upon further investigation, it was discovered that the apprehension, the said vessel
were issued a Permit to Operate (PTO) by the Office of the Mayor of the Municipality of Aroroy,
Masbate;

WHEREAS, The issuance of the PTO has no effect or offers no legal protection against violating
fishery regulation, this practice creates a false sense of security and can lead to repeat violations
by uninformed fishermen;

WHEREAS, the use of active fishing gear in municipal waters, regardless of the stated effect of
the PTO, is strictly prohibited under Republic Act No. 8550, Section 54 (a), due to the significant
threat it poses to the sustainability of fishery resources and the ecological balance of the marine
environment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as the MFARMC of Claveria, Masbate,
unanimously:
Strongly condemns the issuance of a misleading PTO by the Office of the Mayor of Aroroy,
Masbate to a small-scale commercial fishing vessel using active gear, even if the permit holds no
legal protection.
Urges the Office of the Mayor of Aroroy, Masbate to immediately review their issuance process
for PTOs to ensure they are clear, informative, and do not mislead fishermen regarding fishery
regulations.
Requests the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to investigate the issuance
practices of Aroroy to ensure compliance with national guidelines and prevent similar incidents
in the future.
Recommends that the BFAR conduct an information campaign for both Claveria and Aroroy
fishermen to clarify the limitations of PTOs issued by other municipalities and emphasize the
importance of adhering to regulations in their designated fishing areas.
Expresses full support to the apprehended fishermen of Claveria, Masbate and urges the
authorities in Aroroy to consider the misleading nature of the PTO when deliberating on the
imposed penalties.
Encourages the fishermen of Claveria, Masbate to advocate for sustainable fishing practices
within their community and report any misleading issuance of permits from neighboring
municipalities.
Directs the MFARMC Secretariat to furnish copies of this Resolution to the Office of the Mayor
of Aroroy, Masbate; the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); and the Provincial
Agriculture Office of Masbate.
APPROVED this 2nd Day of May, 2024 at the MFARMC Session Hall, Claveria, Masbate.