Bicol:<Text>

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Bicol (Region 5) reported 44 operations resulting in maritime law apprehensions and the confiscation of goods worth PHP90 million from November 2024 to February 2026, an official announced Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PCG-5 chief Commodore Ivan Roldan stated that the operations led to the arrest and turnover of 138 suspects to the Philippine National Police and other authorities. The cases involved illegal drugs, illegal fishing, smuggling, contraband, unregulated transport of mangrove crabs, illegal logging, and other maritime offenses.

Commodore Roldan pledged that PCG-5 will continue to enhance its efforts against illegal activities in the maritime domain to protect coastal communities and safeguard marine resources in the Bicol Region. Key operations included large-scale drug interdictions, arrests for illegal fishing in municipal waters, interception of illegally cut lumber, and t he seizure of undocumented contraband such as cigarettes and used clothing (ukay-ukay).

Through regular patrols, strong inter-agency coordination, and tighter coastal monitoring, Roldan emphasized that PCG-5 remains committed to enforcing maritime law and ensuring the safety and security of the region.