By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas arrested 44 individuals and seized PHP3.08 million worth of illegal fishing catch, 59 loose firearms, and 10 explosives during a continuous 24-hour regional operation.
In a statement on Sunday, Western Visayas police acting chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said cops also arrested 33 during 21 anti-illegal fishing operations across Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo over the weekend.
Tuaño said Iloilo accounted for the largest share of the confiscated items at PHP2.60 million.
He urged fishers and fishing operators to secure necessary permits and comply with regulations on prohibited equipment, adding that community compliance is vital to protecting marine resources.
During the same period, Tuaño reported the arrest of 11 fugitives, including two among the top 10 most wanted persons.
“Our wanted persons operations are about helping the courts move their processes forward. We will continue to locate those with standing warrants and bring them before the proper authorities, while making sure that every operation is conducted professionally and with respect for due process,” he said.
Police units accounted for 59 firearms and 10 explosives during 67 search warrants and other law enforcement operations conducted in the same period in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Iloilo City. (PNA)
