By Helen Castaño, I. Inojales | 01:19 PM March 6, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Two unidentified men escaped after abandoning their boat during a police operation against a suspected illegal whale shark feeding activity in the waters off Barangay Bool in Tagbilaran City early Friday morning, March 6.
Personnel from the Bohol Maritime Police Station and the Tagbilaran City Police Station conducted a joint seaborne patrol from about 5 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. after receiving reports about the alleged activity near the Blood Compact area.
While patrolling, authorities spotted an unmarked motorized banca carrying two men heading toward a white yacht named “JIRISAN,” which was anchored in shallow waters.
Police said the suspects immediately threw a sack into the sea and attempted to flee upon noticing the approaching law enforcers, prompting a hot pursuit operation.
The two men later jumped overboard and swam toward the shoreline of Barangay Bool, where they managed to escape on foot.
After inspecting the abandoned banca, authorities recovered two sacks containing about 10 kilograms of small shrimp locally known as “uyap,” believed to have been intended as feed to attract whale sharks.
A pair of brown slippers believed to belong to one of the suspects was also left behind.
Seized during the operation were the unmarked white-and-blue motorized banca powered by a Honda engine valued at about P25,000 and the shrimp estimated to be worth P1,200.
The suspected activity violates Bohol Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-008, which prohibits the use of food or any baiting method to attract marine wildlife, including whale sharks.
Authorities also interviewed three individuals aboard the yacht anchored in the area and conducted follow-up inquiries among nearby residents.
The seized items were turned over to the Maritime Police Station for documentation and further investigation, while coordination is being made with the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office for appropriate action.
