ILOILO City – Operatives of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) arrested 16 fishermen and seized P1.5 million worth of fishing paraphernalia and assorted fish during a two-day crackdown against illegal fishing across Western Visayas.
Records from PRO-6 showed that law enforcers conducted 11 operations from October 20 to 22, leading to the arrest of 16 individuals and the confiscation of illegal fishing paraphernalia and assorted catch.
The majority of the operations were carried out across the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo.
PRO-6 director Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño reaffirmed that their campaign against illegal fishing will continue to preserve and protect the coral reefs and small fishes.
“Tuloy-tuloy at mas paiigtingin pa natin ang mga operasyon laban sa ilegal na pangingisda dahil hindi natin hahayaang masira at maabuso ang ating yamang-dagat,” Tuaño said. “Sa ilalim ng Project Tanod , sisiguruhin nating mapananagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas, habang pinangangalagaan ang ating likas na yaman at ang kabuhayan ng mga mangingisdang marangal na naghahanapbuhay. Ang ating karagatan ay yaman na dapat nating protektahan, hindi lamang para sa kasalukuyan kundi para rin sa susunod na henerasyon.”
The region’s top cop also urged local communities to actively support law enforcement in curbing illegal maritime activities by reporting violations via the Unified 911 hotline.
“We will work hand in hand to stop illegal fishing,” Tuaño added./PN
