ILOILO City – A sweeping anti-illegal fishing campaign across Western Visayas resulted in the arrest of 34 suspected fisheries law violators and the confiscation of more than P2.6 million worth of fish, fishing boats, and equipment in just one day, underscoring intensified efforts to protect the region’s marine resources and coastal livelihoods.
The coordinated operations, conducted on July 23 by the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) in partnership with local government units and other enforcement agencies, targeted individuals allegedly engaged in unauthorized and destructive fishing activities in municipal waters across the region.
The biggest haul came from Batan, Aklan, where personnel of the Batan Municipal Police Station arrested 11 fishermen at around 1:20 p.m. for allegedly fishing without the required permit in the municipal waters of Barangay Mambuquiao.
Authorities confiscated an unregistered motorboat, various fishing implements, and 87 kilograms of assorted fish, with the seized items valued at an estimated P1.39 million.
Another major operation was carried out in Concepcion, Iloilo, where members of the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Regional Intelligence Unit 6, and the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force arrested nine fishermen allegedly engaged in trawl fishing without the necessary license in the waters off Barangay Maliog-liog.
Seized during the operation were nine fishing boats, fishing gear, and assorted fish with an estimated value of P819,000.
Police regional director Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said illegal fishing continues to pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihood of legitimate fishermen, stressing that PRO-6 will sustain its enforcement drive.
“Illegal fishing does not only violate the law – it also depletes our marine resources and directly affects the livelihood of legitimate fishermen. That is why we will continue to intensify our operations against those who refuse to comply with our fisheries laws and local ordinances,” Tuaño said.
He emphasized that intelligence gathering and close coordination with partner agencies remain essential in detecting and stopping illegal fishing activities.
“We will strengthen intelligence gathering and maintain close coordination with our partner agencies and local government units to ensure that those engaged in illegal fishing are held accountable. Protecting our marine resources requires a sustained and collective effort,” he said.
Tuaño added that protecting the country’s seas goes beyond law enforcement.
“Protecting our seas is not only about law enforcement. It is about ensuring food security, preserving the livelihood of our coastal communities, and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations,” he said.
PRO-6 said charges are being prepared against the arrested individuals for alleged violations of fisheries laws and applicable local ordinances.
The regional police office added that anti-illegal fishing operations will continue in coordination with local governments and maritime enforcement partners as part of the government’s sustained campaign against destructive and unauthorized fishing practices in Western Visayas./PN
