This permanent checkpoint will be stationed at the foot of San Juanico Bridge, Leyte Province Side.

In a significant step towards ensuring the safe transportation of high-quality fish and fishery products both within and beyond the borders of our region, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Offices in Eastern Visayas entered into a Memorandum of Agreement on the establishment of the first permanent Fisheries Checkpoint in San Juanico Bridge this June 7, 2023, at the PNP Regional Office in Brgy. Campetic, Palo, Leyte.

Commencing from June 2023, BFAR 8 Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Section (FIQS) and the Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG), and the PNP 8 will man this joint fisheries checkpoint to ensure that all vehicles carrying fish and fishery products passing San Juanico Bridge have complied to the safety and quality standards on transportation of aquatic organisms and fishery products for domestic consumption and international trade. The law enforcement team of the BFAR 8 and PNP 8 will be checking the auxiliary invoice and the local transport permits of these vehicles to determine the origin of the fishery commodities/products they carry and conduct other necessary standard procedures on the appropriate transportation of aquatic and marine products. Through the implementation of this measure, the stationed law enforcement team will effectively prevent and apprehend illegally caught and transported fishery products, safeguarding the integrity of the checkpoint and ensuring compliance with regulations.

This permanent checkpoint will be stationed at the foot of San Juanico Bridge, Leyte Province Side, being the main gateway for products not only for Samar and Leyte but for all the products transported to and from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“With great optimism, we anticipate nothing short of positive outcomes resulting from the implementation of the First Joint Permanent Fisheries Checkpoint at the San Juanico Bridge. Together, let us continue to work hand in hand, progressing towards a prosperous fishing industry, safeguarded marine resources, and a thriving community,” remarked BFAR 8 Regional Director Dr. Hannibal M. Chavez during the MOA Signing Ceremony.

PNP 8 Regional Director PBGEN Vincent S. Calanoga then gave an affirmative response to BFAR 8 as he expressed the utmost commitment of PNP 8 to this undertaking. “We will make sure to rally with you as you endeavor to fulfill your programs and policies,” he said.

Through this cooperation, the Bureau envisions continually protecting our fisheries and marine bounties to safeguard our invaluable resources ensuring food sufficiency for the present and future generations through competent, strategic, and stringent monitoring and regulation initiatives.