ILOILO City – Twenty-five individuals were arrested and nearly P3.9 million worth of boats, fishing equipment, and illegally caught fish were confiscated in 10 anti-illegal fishing operations conducted by the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) across Western Visayas within a 24-hour period.
The operations, carried out from 6 a.m. on August 4 to 5:59 a.m. on August 5, resulted in the seizure of evidence with a total estimated value of P3,898,500.
Confiscated during the operations were fishing boats worth P2,905,000, fishing paraphernalia valued at P962,500, and fish estimated at P31,000.
The biggest haul came from three separate operations conducted by the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company–Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force in the municipal waters of Barangay Alipata, Carles, Iloilo.
The operations led to the arrest of three individuals and the confiscation of three fishing boats, fishing gear, and illegally caught fish valued at more than P2.2 million.
Meanwhile, five operations conducted by the Carles Municipal Police Station resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals for various violations of fisheries laws.
Separate anti-illegal fishing operations by the Caluya Municipal Police Station and the Libertad Municipal Police Station in Antique also led to the arrest of two more suspects.
PRO-6 Acting Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño said the police remain committed to protecting the country’s marine resources and the livelihood of legitimate fishermen.
“Every anti-illegal fishing operation is not only an enforcement of the law but also a firm step toward protecting our marine resources and ensuring the long-term livelihood of our fishermen. We will continue to hold violators accountable and intensify our campaign against destructive fishing practices throughout Western Visayas,” Tuaño said.
He also urged fishermen, coastal barangays, and local government units to continue working closely with the police by immediately reporting illegal activities at sea to strengthen the protection of the region’s marine resources.
Tuaño said PRO-6 will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen coordination with partner agencies to eliminate illegal fishing and promote responsive, trusted, and transformative policing across Western Visayas./PN
