CAPIZ – Authorities arrested 15 individuals and confiscated an estimated P1.98 million worth of fishing gear, machinery, and catch during a joint anti-illegal fishing operation off the coast of Panay, Capiz at around 10:05 p.m. on September 17.
Operatives of the Panay Municipal Police Station (MPS) alongside the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO-LGU Panay) caught a boat captain and 14 crew members — all residents of Carles, Iloilo — in the act of illegal fishing referred to as “shipper.”
Police reports revealed that the crew failed to present a Mayor’s Permit, violating Municipal Ordinance No. 03-02, also known as the Municipal Fishery Code of 2003.
Seized during the operation were a steel boat valued at P1.5 million, an 8DC9 diesel engine worth P300,000, fishing nets and complete accessories valued at P150,000, and around 150 kilograms of assorted fish with an estimated market value of P30,000.
The suspects, along with the impounded vessel, fishing paraphernalia, and confiscated catch, were turned over to MENRO-LGU Panay for proper disposition.
The Panay operation, meanwhile, marked the largest single accomplishment in the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) regionwide crackdown on illegal fishing in a day. From 6 a.m. on September 17 to 5:59 a.m. on September 18, PRO-6 executed three separate operations, arresting 21 individuals and seizing items worth a total of P2,085,650.
In Antique, two additional operations resulted in the arrest of six individuals and the confiscation of equipment and products worth P105,650.
PRO-6 director Brigadier General Randulf I. Tuaño said that police forces will continue to work closely with local government units and partner agencies to safeguard marine resources and curb illegal fishing activities.
“Ang ating karagatan ay pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng maraming pamilya. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang pagpapatupad ng batas upang maprotektahan ang ating yamang-dagat at matiyak na ang mga lehitimong mangingisda ay hindi naaagrabyado ng mga ilegal na gawain,” Tuaño said.
PRO-6 urged coastal communities and the general public to immediately report illegal or suspicious maritime activities to the nearest police station or via the Unified 911 hotline./PN
