Cops arrest 473 people for illegal fishing, logging in Western Visayas; 182 more drug suspects fall
At A Glance
- The operations were conducted in July this year
- The same operations resulted in the arrest of P80 million worth of illegal drugs, illegal fishing and logging equipment
TUAÑO (Tara Yap)
Police arrested a total of 473 people for illegal fishing and illegal logging as authorities intensified the campaign in implementing environmental laws in Western Visayas.
Police Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño, director of the Police Regional Office 6, said the operations conducted in July also led to the confiscation of fish valued at ₱422,660.00, along with fishing equipment, motorboats, and other paraphernalia worth ₱31,018,540.00.
The same operations also resulted in the confiscation of lumber worth ₱1,047,534.96 and charcoal valued at ₱125,180.00.
“These operations were intended to protect the region's environment while supporting communities that depend on its natural resources for their livelihood. These also showed that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility,” said Tuaño.
“Our police officers will continue to work closely with partner agencies and local communities to ensure that our forests, rivers, and coastal waters are preserved for future generations. We will remain consistent in enforcing the law while treating everyone with fairness and respect,” he added.
The official also urged the public to remain vigilant and actively support environmental protection efforts by reporting illegal activities affecting forests, rivers, and coastal areas through the nearest police station or appropriate government authorities.
He explained that timely information from the public helps the police respond more effectively and allows them to prevent further damage to the environment.
On illegal drugs operations, Tuaño said they arrested 182 persons and confiscated almost P50 million worth of illegal drugs in the same month across the region.
Among those seized were 7,321.29 grams of suspected shabu and 61.30 grams of suspected marijuana.
Those arrested include 63 High-Value Individuals (HVIs), 109 Street-Level Individuals (SLIs), and one Drug Personality of Interest (DPOI).
"Every drug seizure represents fewer illegal substances reaching our communities. Our goal is straightforward—to disrupt the illegal drug supply, protect our communities, and ensure that every police operation is carried out professionally and in accordance with the law,” said Tuaño.
“These results remind us that consistent enforcement and public cooperation remain our strongest tools against illegal drugs," he added.