17 held for illegal fishing in Surigao del Norte

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — Seventeen people were arrested for illegal fishing in the waters off Surigao del Norte on Tuesday.

The Caraga police said a boat, fishing paraphernalia and boxes of various marine species worth P1.04 million were seized from the suspects.

Regional police director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said nine of the suspects are residents of Dinagat Islands and eight of Pintuyan town in Southern Leyte.

Caramat said the police operation is part of Oplan Sangyaman drive, which aims to protect and preserve the environment, cultural properties and natural resources.

The suspects face charges for violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code and local ordinances against illegal fishing.