P18.74-M contraband seized in PNP logging, fisheries enforcement in Western Visayas

MANILA — Police apprehended 389 individuals and confiscated or recovered more than P18.74 million worth of forest products, fish, and fishing equipment during a monthlong crackdown on illegal logging and fishing in Western Visayas in October.

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) said it conducted 636 operations across the region from October 1 to 31 to protect the region’s forests and fishing grounds.

Of the total operations, 486 targeted illegal logging, resulting in the arrest of 173 individuals.

Aklan Police Provincial Office recorded the most operations with 207, followed by Antique PPO with 131 and Capiz PPO with 91.

Antique PPO, meanwhile, recorded the most apprehensions with 109, followed by Aklan PPO with 59 and Iloilo PPO with four.

Authorities confiscated or recovered lumber worth P993,987.42 and charcoal valued at P212,490, bringing the total value of seized forest products to P1.2 million.

Meanwhile, 150 operations were conducted against illegal fishing, resulting in the apprehension of 216 individuals.

Antique PPO led the campaign with 79 operations, followed by Iloilo PPO with 26 and Aklan PPO with 24.

Antique PPO also recorded the highest number of apprehensions with 79, followed by Iloilo PPO with 57 and Capiz PPO with 52.

The operations yielded fish worth P353,295 and fishing-related equipment and paraphernalia, including motorboats, valued at P17.18 million.

Iloilo PPO accounted for the highest value of confiscated fish and fishing equipment at P9.56 million, followed by Capiz PPO with P4.03 million and Antique PPO with P2.67 million.

PRO6 regional director PBGen Randulf Tuaño said protecting the environment also means safeguarding the livelihoods and future of communities that depend on natural resources.

“Our forests and fishing grounds sustain communities in ways that go beyond their economic value,” he also said.