Police arrested 25 individuals and seized over P1.3 million worth of illegal fishing assets during a series of coordinated operations across Western Visayas, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO-6).

The region-wide crackdown, which spanned a 24-hour window from 6 a.m. on June 12 to 5:59 a.m. on June 13, resulted in the confiscation of various illicit equipment with a total estimated value of P1,335,530.00.

The province of Iloilo registered the highest number of operations and arrests, accounting for 18 of the 25 total apprehensions.

The operations in the province yielded P741,700.00 worth of illegal equipment.

The rest of the regional accomplishments are broken down as follows:

▪️Guimaras: Two individuals arrested, with illegal fishing equipment valued at P303,500.00 confiscated.

▪️Antique: Four individuals arrested, with seized items worth P194,330.00.

▪️Aklan: One individual arrested, with equipment valued at P96,000.00 confiscated.

PRO-6 said no anti-illegal fishing operations were conducted in Capiz or within Iloilo City during the same 24-hour reporting period.

The operations were conducted in close coordination with local government units (LGUs) and partner environmental and law enforcement agencies to ensure a unified approach to protecting the region’s marine habitats.

PRO-6 Acting Regional Director Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño emphasized that the crackdown is not just about strictly enforcing fishery laws but also about securing the future of legitimate local fisherfolk who rely on sustainable waters.

“Ang ating karagatan ay mahalagang pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng maraming pamilya. Kaya patuloy nating paiigtingin ang pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa illegal fishing upang mapangalagaan ang ating yamang-dagat at matiyak ang sustainable na kabuhayan para sa mga lehitimong mangingisda,” he said.

Tuaño added that safeguarding the ocean requires active, long-term collaboration between the police, local communities, and municipal leaders.

“Patuloy tayong makikipagtulungan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan, mga katuwang na ahensya, at sa ating mga komunidad. Mas magiging epektibo ang ating kampanya kung sama-sama nating pangangalagaan ang ating likas na yaman,” he concluded.IMT