Manila: The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) arrested 32 individuals and confiscated illegal fishing equipment and catch worth PHP2.68 million from July 16 to 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-6 chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o reported that a series of operations on July 16 and 17 resulted in 17 arrests and the seizure of items valued at PHP1.54 million. These operations were concentrated primarily in Iloilo province, with additional law enforcement activities conducted in Antique and Guimaras.

On July 17 and 18, police units conducted 13 further operations across Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, and Iloilo. These efforts led to the arrest of 15 individuals and the confiscation of illegal fishing items worth PHP1.13 million.

Tua±o emphasized the importance of community involvement in preserving marine resources, urging the public to report illegal activities in the oceans. "Protecting our marine resources is the responsibility of all of us, so we encourage the public to cooperate and immediately report any illegal activities in our oceans. With the help of the community, we can strengthen our law enforcement," he said in a statement.

In a related development, PRO-6 operatives also seized 241 firearms and explosives across Western Visayas from July 1 to 15. The accomplishment report showed that 228 law enforcement operations led to the arrest of 17 individuals.