Western Visayas environmental crackdown yields 490 arrests in August

ILOILO CITY — A comprehensive environmental enforcement campaign across Western Visayas resulted in the arrest of 490 individuals and the confiscation of illegal catch, timber, and equipment valued at more than P27.3 million, according to consolidated reports released by the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6).

The month-long operation, conducted throughout August, targeted illegal fishing operations, timber smuggling, and other environmental crimes threatening the region's natural resources. The coordinated effort involved multiple law enforcement agencies working to combat poaching, unauthorized logging, and the illegal wildlife trade.

The seized contraband included fish and marine resources taken through illegal methods, as well as timber and specialized equipment used in unauthorized extraction operations. The confiscated items represent significant economic losses for criminal networks operating in the region's waters and forests.

PRO6 officials indicated that the operation underscores growing enforcement efforts to protect the environment and prevent the depletion of natural resources in Western Visayas. The crackdown is part of broader initiatives to ensure compliance with environmental protection laws and sustainable resource management across the archipelago's critical ecosystems.