Manila, Aug. 16 -- 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.

In a statement on Sunday, Western Visayas police acting chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano said cops also arrested 33 during 21 anti-illegal fishing operations across Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo over the weekend.

Tuano said Iloilo accounted for the largest share of the confiscated items at PHP2.60 million.

He urged fishers and fishing operators to secure necessary permits and comply with regulations on prohibited equipment, adding that community compliance is vital to protecting marine resources.

During ...