LEGAZPI CITY – Authorities arrested 20 people and seized two fishing boats and equipment worth about Php 4 million during an anti-illegal fishing operation in the municipal waters of Libon and Oas, Albay.
The Police Regional Office in Bicol said the boats and their crews were intercepted for alleged violations of Republic Act 10654, which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
The operation was led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 5 Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Operations Center, with support from the Albay Police Provincial Office, Libon and Oas police, the Philippine Army and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The two fishing boats, along with nets and other fishing equipment, were placed under BFAR-5 custody in Barangay Pantao, Libon, for proper disposition.
PRO-5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said the police would continue working with partner agencies to enforce laws protecting marine resources and coastal livelihoods.
“PRO-5’s commitment to maintaining peace, order, and public safety extends to every form of criminality and law violation, including those that threaten our marine resources and the livelihood of our communities,” Silvio said.
He added that sustained coordination among law enforcement agencies, government institutions and coastal communities remains crucial in preventing illegal fishing and protecting marine ecosystems and legitimate fisherfolk.
