ILOILO —Authorities intensified their crackdown on illegal fishing in Northern Iloilo.
A commercial fishing vessel engaged in prohibited “hulbot-hulbot” (Danish Seine) operations was apprehended, and about P2 million worth of fishing equipment and fish catch were seized during a maritime enforcement operation in Carles town.
The operation was conducted by the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force, the Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Regional Intelligence Unit.
The fishing vessel was intercepted in the coastal waters off Barangay Punta Buri, Carles on June 20, 2026. Authorities identified the boat captain as Archie Wenceslao Pugay of Barangay Bancal, Carles.
Pugay is facing charges for violating Section 97 of Republic Act 10654, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, in relation to Fisheries Administrative Order 246-1, which prohibits the operation of Danish Seine and Modified Danish Seine fishing gear in Philippine waters.
Danish Seine is classified as a destructive fishing method because it uses a conical net attached to long ropes weighted with sinkers, plastic strips, or buri leaves to herd fish. The gear is then hauled mechanically or manually, causing extensive damage to marine habitats and ecosystems.
Law enforcers confiscated approximately P2 million worth of fishing paraphernalia and recovered 15 tubs of assorted fish valued at about P50,000.
The boat captain was informed of his constitutional rights and is being held at the Carles Municipal Police Station while authorities prepare the filing of formal charges.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said the Bantay Dagat campaign against illegal fishing in Northern Iloilo has yielded positive results but stressed that enforcement operations must continue.
“I know our operations haven’t been easy. Despite the constraints we face — specifically limited fuel and procurement difficulties due to frequent price adjustments — our team still manages to get the job done. Saludo ako sa inyong dedikasyon,” Banias said.
He emphasized that authorities cannot afford to relax their efforts as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing remains prevalent in Iloilo waters.
“However, we are not resting on our laurels. The job isn’t finished, as IUUF (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing) remains rampant in our waters. I strongly reminded the task force: we must not tolerate illegal activities when we see them. Strict and fair enforcement is vital to avoid any misimpressions from the public,” Banias added.
Banias also disclosed plans to expand the scope of Bantay Dagat operations beyond fisheries protection to include internal security, monitoring of illegal drugs, and surveillance measures against African Swine Fever (ASF) to prevent the disease from re-entering the province./PN
