CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office-13 apprehended 114 individuals for illegal fishing in the sea of Caraga region from July 1 to 12.
The PRO 13-Regional Operations Division (ROD) said the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) arrested 28 violators, Surigao del Norte PPO, 19; Surigao del Sur PPO, 27; Dinagat Islands PPO, 24; Regional Maritime Unit 13, 15; and Regional Mobile Force Battalion-13, one.
These police units conducted 139 anti-illegal fishing operations which resulted in the confiscation of 338.7 kilograms of assorted fish with a total market value of P66,470.
Sixty-four illegal fishing paraphernalia were turned over by residents to these police units.
Police arrested 12 violators in the two provinces of Surigao and in Dinagat Islands in pne day.
“All the suspects were charged with violation of local ordinances against illegal fishing and RA No. 10654 (An Act to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing),” PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II.
“We ensure that our law enforcement operations include the protection of our natural and marine resources.”
“Those who abuse and destroy these assets will be accountable for the violations they commit,” Labra added.