ILOILO – Authorities have seized a commercial fishing vessel and fishing equipment worth millions of pesos after catching the boat allegedly practicing the prohibited “hulbot-hulbot” fishing method in the municipal waters of Concepcion, intensifying the province’s crackdown on illegal fishing operations that threaten marine resources and the livelihood of small-scale fisherfolk.
The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF), with support from the Regional Intelligence Unit 6, apprehended the vessel off Baligiuan Island in Barangay Malangabang during a recent maritime patrol.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) reported that the commercial fishing vessel was caught actively deploying Danish seine fishing gear, locally known as “hulbot-hulbot,” a fishing method prohibited under Philippine fisheries regulations.
“Hulbot-hulbot” uses a conical net connected to heavy sinkers, tom weights (linggote), and scaring/herding lines with plastic or buri strips. When dragged across the sea floor, the weights and ropes smash and ruin coral reefs, seagrass beds, and fish habitats.
Authorities placed the combined value of the confiscated vessel, fishing equipment and catch at approximately P4.55 million.
Of the total, the commercial fishing vessel was valued at P4 million, while the Danish seine fishing gear was estimated at P500,000.
Patrolling personnel also confiscated 15 tubs, locally called banyeras, of assorted fish worth approximately P50,000.
The apprehended boat operator was identified as Rowel Montirola Lahoy-lahoy, a resident of San Remigio, Cebu.
According to authorities, the operation violated Section 97 of Republic Act 10654, which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code, in relation to Fisheries Administrative Order 246-1.
The law regulates fishing activities and prohibits the use of certain fishing methods and equipment to protect marine resources and ensure the sustainability of the country’s fishing industry.
The latest apprehension highlights the continuing threat posed by commercial fishing operations that encroach on municipal waters traditionally reserved for small-scale and legitimate local fisherfolk.
Such intrusions threaten not only the sustainability of fish stocks but also the economic survival of coastal communities that depend heavily on fishing for their daily income and food supply.
The use of prohibited fishing methods raises additional concerns over the degradation of marine habitats and the depletion of fish populations, potentially undermining the long-term productivity of Iloilo’s coastal waters.
By preventing commercial operators from exploiting municipal fishing grounds using prohibited equipment, authorities aim to protect local fishing communities from unfair competition and preserve marine resources for future generations.
The apprehension also serves as a warning to commercial fishing operators against entering restricted municipal waters and engaging in illegal fishing activities.
The IPBDTF has been conducting maritime patrols and enforcement operations as part of the provincial government’s campaign against illegal fishing, particularly practices that threaten the sustainability of coastal fisheries.
Authorities said the confiscated vessel and fishing equipment remain under government custody pending the filing of appropriate administrative and criminal charges./PN
