The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) takes note of the call made by Representative Kaka Bag-ao for the Bureau to disclose vessel monitoring system (VMS) data in relation to efforts to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Bureau recognizes and supports the underlying intent of this call, particularly the use of information technology as an effective tool in strengthening fisheries enforcement and curbing IUU fishing. In fact, the Philippine government, through DA-BFAR, has long pursued this direction with the establishment and continued enhancement of the VMS as part of its broader monitoring, control, and surveillance system.

While there is an established vessel monitoring system in place, the utilization of such is subject to regulatory policies as the data must be handled properly. These governing policies include Executive Order No. 57 (s. 2024), or “The Act Strengthening the Philippines’ Maritime Security and Maritime Domain Awareness,” its implementing rules and regulations, BFAR administrative issuances and inter-agency data sharing protocols, as well as applicable national data privacy, confidentiality, and security standards governing sensitive maritime and enforcement information.

DA-BFAR does not withhold any information that is useful in the fight against IUU fishing . On the contrary, vessel monitoring data and related intrusion reports are regularly shared with authorized government agencies that have specific mandates for maritime security, fisheries enforcement, and law enforcement operations, including the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy, PNP-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) and other relevant authorities, through established coordination and reporting mechanisms.

The Bureau remains true to its mandate of fisheries conservation and protection. Both its manpower, despite limited institutional capacity, and resources are being utilized to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The agency works closely with local government units and implements programs that recognize and incentivize LGUs with strong resolve in combating IUU fishing. It has also relaunched the Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan (MMK) program to further strengthen community participation and support for sustainable fisheries management.

The Philippines’ improved standing in the 2025 Global Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Index reflects the country’s sustained and serious efforts to combat IUU fishing. According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), the Philippines ranked 54th out of 152 coastal states, with an overall score of 2.34 on a scale where 1 represents the best possible performance. The country likewise performed better than the Asian regional average of 2.55 and ranked as the fourth best-performing country in Asia in countering and deterring IUU fishing, underscoring its continued progress in strengthening fisheries governance, enforcement capacity, and maritime domain awareness systems.

The Bureau reiterates its commitment to transparency, lawful data governance, and inter-agency cooperation in addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The Bureau emphasizes that all vessel monitoring data and related information are managed and shared in accordance with applicable laws, security protocols, and established coordination mechanisms to ensure both effective enforcement and the protection of sensitive maritime information.