PALO, Leyte — Authorities arrested 21 individuals and seized P2.2 million worth of illegally caught fish and fishing equipment during a coordinated one-day crackdown across three provinces in Eastern Visayas on Sunday.

The Police Regional Office 8 reported that three individuals were apprehended in separate operations off the coastal towns of Matalom, Isabel and Bato in Leyte.

Operatives confiscated fishing boats, spearguns, nets, air compressors, flashlights and assorted fish valued at P67,750.

In Southern Leyte, three people were arrested in separate operations off Limasawa, Pintuyan and Saint Bernard for violating local fishery ordinances, including fishing without required licenses and using unregistered boats and gear.

Fifteen individuals were apprehended during three separate enforcement actions in the municipal waters of Culaba, Biliran. The Biliran operations resulted in the seizure of fishing boats, motor engines, nets and fish with a combined value exceeding P2 million.

Confiscated items were turned over to local fishery authorities for proper disposition.

Police Regional Office 8 director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said municipal police stations conducted the seaborne patrols in coordination with local government units, municipal agriculture offices and local sea patrol units, known as Bantay-Dagat.

Capoy said the crackdown is part of ongoing regional efforts to protect marine resources and enforce national fishery laws and local ordinances.

“I call on our fisherfolk and coastal communities to comply with established fishing regulations and help us protect our marine resources,” Capoy said.