CAPIZ — Fifteen fishermen were arrested after they were caught allegedly engaged in illegal fishing in the municipal waters of Panay, Capiz, at about 9:50 p.m. on August 8, 2026.
The operation resulted in the seizure of boats, fishing equipment and fish with an estimated total value of P2.04 million, according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6).
Personnel of the Panay Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of the local government unit of Panay, conducted the operation after learning that the group did not have the required mayor’s permit.
Those arrested included a 45-year-old boat captain and 14 crew members, all residents of Bantayan, Cebu.
Authorities seized a steel boat valued at P1.5 million, an 8DC9 diesel engine worth P300,000, fishing nets and accessories valued at P150,000, and approximately 450 kilograms of assorted fish with an estimated market value of P90,000.
The fishermen were arrested for alleged violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 03-02, or the Municipal Fishery Code of 2003.
The suspects, along with the confiscated equipment and catch, were brought to the MENRO-LGU Panay for proper disposition.
PRO6 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño said the police would continue strengthening coordination with local government units to protect marine resources and the livelihood of law-abiding fishermen.
He added that PRO6 would continue working with LGUs and other partner agencies to prevent activities that damage marine resources.
The regional police office said it would further intensify operations against illegal fishing through enhanced intelligence gathering, closer coordination with local governments and partner agencies, and strict enforcement of existing laws and ordinances.
PRO6 also urged the public to immediately report suspicious or illegal activities at sea to authorities as part of its efforts to protect marine resources and legitimate fishing livelihoods in Western Visayas./PN
