PRO-6 chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño (PNA file photo by Perla Lena)
Police in Western Visayas arrested 32 people and confiscated illegal fishing equipment and catch worth Php 2.68 million during a series of operations from July 16 to 18.
The Police Regional Office 6 said five operations conducted on July 16 and 17 resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals.
Authorities recovered fishing gear and other seized items valued at about Php 1.54 million during the initial operations.
Most of the activities were carried out in Iloilo, while additional enforcement operations were conducted in Antique and Guimaras.
Police units later launched 13 more operations on July 17 and 18 across Aklan, Antique, Guimaras and Iloilo.
The succeeding operations led to the arrest of 15 more individuals and the confiscation of illegal fishing equipment and catch worth Php 1.13 million.
PRO-6 chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño urged residents to report suspected illegal fishing activities, saying community cooperation remained essential in protecting marine resources and strengthening enforcement.
In a separate campaign, police also seized 241 firearms and explosive materials across Western Visayas from July 1 to 15, with 17 people arrested during 228 law enforcement operations.