ILOILO City – The Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) has intensified its operations against illegal fishing activities in the province, resulting in the arrest of eight fishermen in separate operations in Barangay Poblacion, Nueva Valencia town.
GPPO director Colonel Rhea Santos said she had received reports of illegal fishing in various areas of Guimaras, particularly in the municipalities of Nueva Valencia, Jordan, and Buenavista. In response, she ordered all municipal police chiefs to launch immediate operations to curb the activity.
“Those engaging in illegal fishing are mostly outsiders. They come from other areas, so we heightened our operations, especially in Nueva Valencia,” Santos said.
The first operation was conducted at around 9:45 a.m. on March 24 and led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Ramil Figura, 52; Rolando Torres, 56; Harold Esculuada, 44; and Mickie Cordero, 24 – all residents of Barangay Milan, Sibunag, Guimaras.
Ten minutes later, another group of four fishermen was apprehended in the same area. The suspects were Jay Ryan Entrina, 34; Alfredo Gange, 52; Esperidion Entrina, 37; and Cerelo Gamarcha, 62, all from Barangay Espinosa, Jordan.
The eight suspects face charges for alleged violation of the municipal fishery ordinance. Their two fishing vessels were also confiscated, and they were taken to the Nueva Valencia Police Station.
Meanwhile, the Regional Maritime Unit 6 (RMU-6) will augment the GPPO’s efforts by deploying their speedboat to enhance visibility and support seaborne patrols.
“We have to assist local police in addressing illegal fishing in the area. It’s vital that we protect our marine resources,” said RMU-6’s Major Janvier Gilza./PN
