Manila, Aug. 24 -- The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Monday that it seized a total of PHP4.54 million in evidence during its anti-illegal fishing operations last week.

PRO-5 units conducted 16 anti-illegal fishing operations across the region on Aug. 17 to 23, resulting in the arrest of 53 individuals.

Among the police provincial offices, the Masbate Police Provincial Office (PPO) recorded the highest value of confiscated items at PHP3.8 million, followed by Camarines Sur PPO (PHP334,300), Catanduanes PPO (PHP200,000), Sorsogon PPO (PHP61,150), and Camarines Norte PPO (PHP50,600).

PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said illegal fishing not only threatens the sustainability of marine ecosystems, but also und...