CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Police arrested 147 fishermen for illegal fishing in the Caraga region last week.
The Police Regional Office 13-Regional Operations Division said that troops seized P112,060 worth of fish and illegal fishing paraphernalia -- unregulated fishnets, fishing gear and trawlers, 16 motorized fishing boats, and two non-motorized fishing boats -- valued at P1,503,860 in 130 operations from January 30 to 31.
The Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office (PPO) caught 56 violators, followed by Agusan del Norte PPO with 34, Surigao del Sur PPO with 32, Surigao del Norte PPO with 17, and Agusan del Sur with eight.
Violators received citation tickets, PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft commended troops for successfully implementing ordinances against illegal fishing.
"The ordinances were issued by the local government units to help us preserve our marine resources,” he said. “I urge everyone to work together and support the implementation of these ordinances as we endeavor to achieve the ideals of 'Bagong Pilipinas,’" Kraft added.
Bagong Pilipinas is the Marcos administration's brand of governance and leadership "characterized by a principled, accountable, and dependable government reinforced by unified institutions of society."
It encourages Filipinos to set aside differences and unite to build a nation that shapes a more promising future for its citizens.