By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – At least 20 individuals were arrested, and fishing boats and paraphernalia valued at PHP4 million were seized in an anti-illegal fishing operation conducted this week in the municipal waters of Libon and Oas, Albay, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Friday.
The boats and their crews were intercepted for alleged violations of several provisions of Republic Act 10654, which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
The operation was conducted by joint personnel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 5 Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Operations Center (BFAR 5 ERMCSOC), the lead unit, together with the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Albay Police Provincial Office (APPO), the Libon and Oas Municipal Police Stations, the 96th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Libon/Oas.
The two fishing boats, along with their nets and other paraphernalia, were placed under BFAR-5 custody in Barangay Pantao, Libon, for proper disposition.
PRO-5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said the police force would continue supporting partner agencies in enforcing laws governing marine and other natural resources.
“PRO-5’s commitment to maintaining peace, order, and public safety extends to every form of criminality and law violation, including those that threaten our marine resources and the livelihood of our communities,” he said in a statement.
The operation forms part of PRO-5’s implementation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Focused Agenda, particularly its Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes information gathering, coordination, and deployment of police resources.
“Enforcing it is essential to protecting marine ecosystems, sustaining fish populations, and safeguarding the livelihoods of legitimate fisherfolk,” he added.
Silvio emphasized the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, government institutions, and coastal communities in preventing and addressing violations, particularly in areas where sustained monitoring and enforcement are necessary. (PNA)
