Photo courtesy of PNP
Police operations targeting illegal fishing and logging in Western Visayas resulted in the apprehension of 1,234 people and the recovery of resources and equipment valued at about Php 78.87 million, the Philippine National Police said.
The operations were conducted from May 22 to August 15 as authorities intensified enforcement against activities affecting forests and marine resources across the region.
The PNP said 928 individuals were apprehended during 537 operations against illegal fishing.
Authorities recovered fish and other fishing-related items worth more than Php 1.27 million, while seized fishing equipment and paraphernalia were valued at approximately Php 74.84 million.
Separate operations targeting illegal logging resulted in 306 apprehensions from 772 police operations during the same period.
Police recovered lumber and other forest products valued at about Php 2.30 million, along with confiscated charcoal estimated at Php 460,360.
“Ang mga ilog, dagat, at kagubatan ay hindi lang likas na yaman. Bahagi ito ng buhay ng maraming Pilipino. Kaya kung may banta rito, may responsibilidad din tayong kumilos,” PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said.
The PNP said it would continue coordinating with government agencies, local authorities and communities in enforcing environmental laws and protecting natural resources in Western Visayas.
