Western visayas: The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas arrested 44 individuals and seized PHP3.08 million worth of illegal fishing catch, 59 loose firearms, and 10 explosives during a continuous 24-hour regional operation.

According to Philippines News Agency, Western Visayas police acting chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o stated that 33 individuals were arrested during 21 anti-illegal fishing operations across the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo over the weekend. Tua±o highlighted that Iloilo accounted for the largest share of the confiscated items, valued at PHP2.60 million.

Brig. Gen. Tua±o urged fishers and fishing operators to secure necessary permits and comply with regulations on prohibited equipment, emphasizing the importance of community compliance in protecting marine resources.

During the same period, Tua±o reported the arrest of 11 fugitives, including two of the top 10 most wanted persons. He emphasized that the operations aim to assist the courts in progressing their processes, stating, "We will continue to locate those with standing warrants and bring them before the proper authorities, while making sure that every operation is conducted professionally and with respect for due process."

Additionally, police units accounted for 59 firearms and 10 explosives during 67 search warrants and other law enforcement operations conducted in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Iloilo City, as part of the comprehensive regional crackdown.