08/10/2026
₱3.25M WORTH OF FISH, LUMBER, CHARCOAL RECOVERED; 98 ARRESTED IN FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER
WESTERN VISAYAS— A total of 98 persons were arrested in 159 police operations against illegal fishing and illegal logging across Western Visayas during the first week of October, with authorities recovering more than ₱3.25 million worth of fish, fishing paraphernalia, lumber, and charcoal.
From October 1 to 7, 2026, police conducted 50 anti-illegal fishing operations, resulting in the arrest of 58 persons and the recovery of fish and other paraphernalia worth ₱3,000,780.40. Another 109 anti-illegal logging operations led to the arrest of 40 persons and the recovery of 4,273.54 board feet of lumber and 86 sacks of charcoal worth ₱256,853.02.
Antique recorded 32 arrests in anti-illegal fishing operations, while Iloilo Province accounted for 22. In anti-illegal logging operations, Antique recorded 26 arrests and Aklan 12.
The operations were conducted under Project Tanod Kalikasan 6 in support of Oplan Sagip Kalikasan, with police units also enforcing environmental and local ordinances.
PRO6 Regional Director PBGen Randulf T. Tuaño said protecting the region’s natural resources requires both law enforcement and cooperation from the public.
“Our waters and forests are resources that our communities depend on. We will enforce the law, but we also need people to help us protect these areas by reporting illegal activities and following the rules,” PBGen Tuaño said.
He urged fishers, business operators, and other individuals engaged in activities involving natural resources to secure the necessary permits and comply with environmental laws.
“If you are engaged in fishing, logging, or any related activity, make sure you have the proper authority and permits. If you see activities that do not look right, report them instead of confronting anyone yourself,” he added.
Separate police operations during the same period also resulted in three arrests in seven operations involving illegal quarrying. Enforcement of local ordinances likewise recorded 25 persons apprehended for anti-smoking violations and 34 persons for other related laws and ordinances.
Project Tanod Kalikasan 6 is part of PRO6’s continuing work to advance “Responsive, Trusted, and Transformative Policing for a Safer Western Visayas,” in line with the PNP Focused Agenda and the vision of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” under the leadership of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
(ORD-PRO6)