TACLOBAN CITY — Police arrested 21 people and confiscated more than P2.2 million worth of illegally caught fish, fishing boats and equipment in a series of anti-illegal fishing operations conducted in three Eastern Visayas provinces on Aug. 16.
The operations, carried out in Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran, were conducted by police units in coordination with local government units, Bantay-Dagat personnel and municipal agriculture offices as authorities stepped up enforcement of fisheries laws and local ordinances.
The largest haul was recorded in Culaba, Biliran, where police arrested 15 individuals and seized fishing boats, engines, nets and illegally caught fish with a combined estimated value of P2.12 million.
In Leyte, three suspects were apprehended in separate operations in the towns of Matalom, Isabel and Bato. Police confiscated fishing boats, nets, spear guns, compressors, flashlights and illegally caught fish valued at about P67,750.
Another three individuals were arrested in Limasawa, Pintuyan and Saint Bernard in Southern Leyte for alleged violations of local fishery ordinances. Authorities confiscated fishing equipment and other items valued at P14,100.
The operations resulted in the confiscation of items with a total estimated value of P2.211 million.
Police Regional Office 8 Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy called on fisherfolk and coastal communities to comply with national fisheries laws and local ordinances, while urging residents to report suspected illegal fishing activities to authorities.
Illegal fishing remains a concern in coastal communities because destructive and unauthorized fishing practices can deplete fish stocks, damage marine habitats and undermine the livelihood of law-abiding fisherfolk.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
