P10.9-M illegal fishing gear seized

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) reported Wednesday that its campaign against illegal fishing has led to the arrest of 118 individuals in 80 operations across Western Visayas from 1 to 15 September, with confiscated fish, fishing paraphernalia, and other equipment valued at P10.895 million.

Western Visayas Police Chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said consolidated reports showed police units seized P154,050 worth of fish and P10,343,300 worth of fishing paraphernalia and other equipment, including fishing and motorboats, from 1 to 14 September.

On 15 September alone, police conducted five operations that resulted in nine arrests and the confiscation of items valued at P551,800, further boosting the region’s enforcement drive against illegal fishing.

For the first 14 days of September, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office recorded 25 operations and 45 arrests, with P44,750 worth of fish and P6.707 million worth of fishing paraphernalia and other equipment confiscated. Antique followed with 39 operations and 39 arrests, while Capiz recorded three operations and 12 arrests.

Other accomplishments came from Aklan with four operations and five arrests, and Guimaras with four operations and eight arrests.

Tuaño said the sustained operations demonstrate police commitment to protecting the region’s marine resources and supporting communities whose livelihoods depend on lawful fishing.

“Our waters are a shared resource, and protecting them requires sustained enforcement and cooperation from the communities we serve. We will continue to work closely with our local government units, partner agencies, and coastal communities to address illegal fishing and protect the livelihood of legitimate fisherfolk,” Tuaño said.

He added that PRO6 will continue strengthening police presence and coordination in coastal areas to ensure violations are promptly addressed and enforcement efforts remain consistent and within the bounds of the law.