PRO-6 arrests 2,238, seizes PHP 129M in environmental crackdown

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) arrested 2,238 individuals and confiscated nearly PHP 129 million worth of marine products, fishing equipment, lumber, and charcoal as it intensified its campaign against illegal fishing and logging in Western Visayas.

The operations covered the period from May 22 to Oct. 15, 2026, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, who assumed command of PRO-6 on May 22.

During the period, PRO-6 conducted 949 operations against illegal fishing, a 41% increase from the 672 operations recorded during the preceding 147-day period.

Anti-illegal logging operations more than doubled to 1,775 from 833 during the comparable period, representing a 113% increase.

The intensified campaign against illegal fishing resulted in the apprehension of 1,548 individuals and the confiscation of marine products valued at more than PHP 2.1 million.

Police also seized fishing equipment and paraphernalia worth more than PHP 121 million.

In the campaign against illegal logging, police apprehended 690 individuals and recovered lumber worth more than PHP 4.7 million and charcoal valued at approximately PHP 993,000.

Combined, the confiscated resources and equipment were valued at more than PHP 128.79 million.

Antique, Iloilo, and Aklan recorded the highest number of operations against illegal fishing.

Aklan, Antique, and Capiz led the campaign against illegal logging.

Tuaño said the intensified enforcement efforts contributed to PRO-6’s recognition as one of the key regional contributors to the Philippine National Police’s environmental law enforcement campaign from January to September 2026.

The recognition highlighted Western Visayas’ sustained efforts to protect marine and forest resources and enforce environmental laws.

Illegal fishing threatens marine ecosystems, depletes fish stocks, and undermines the livelihoods of fishing communities that depend on sustainable catches.

Illegal logging, meanwhile, contributes to forest degradation, soil erosion, and increased risks of flooding and landslides, particularly in environmentally vulnerable communities.

Tuaño emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility that directly affects community welfare and livelihoods.

“Protecting our natural resources requires more than enforcement after violations occur. We need sustained police presence, timely action, and strong coordination with our partners,” he said.

He stressed that every operation against illegal fishing and logging helps protect the environment, support legitimate livelihoods, and preserve natural resources for future generations.

Tuaño also urged fisherfolk to comply with existing fishing laws and regulations to help protect marine resources and maintain sustainable fishing practices.

He encouraged consumers to purchase only legally sourced lumber and charcoal to discourage illegal logging and the trade in unlawfully harvested forest products.

Residents were likewise urged to report suspected illegal fishing and logging activities to the nearest police station or through the emergency hotline 911.