MARINE PROTECTION. Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II of the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region announces the confiscation of PHP439,620 worth of illegal fishing gear during the simultaneous anti-illegal fishing operations conducted in the region. The operations also resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects engaged in illegal fishing activities. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13)
BUTUAN CITY – Some PHP439,620 worth of illegal fishing gear and marine resources were confiscated as the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) field units launched simultaneous anti-illegal fishing operations on Saturday.
In a statement Monday, PRO-13 chief Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II said 13 suspects were also arrested during the operations.
The Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office (PPO) scored the highest accomplishment during the campaign after netting five suspects and confiscating PHP253,450 worth of illegal fishing materials and marine resources.
Likewise, the Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur PPOs nabbed three suspects each and seized PHP158,400 and PHP23,770 worth of illegal fishing gear and other materials, respectively.
The Agusan del Norte PPO, meanwhile, also collared two suspects and confiscated PHP4,000 worth of illegal fishing equipment.
“Illegal fishing threatens the livelihood as well as fish stocks and destroys the marine environment,” Labra said.
He urged the fisherfolk to obey the law and ordinances of local government units to help protect the marine resources of the region. (PNA)
