ILOILO – The provincial government’s campaign against illegal fishing continues in Northern Iloilo, with the latest operation leading to the apprehension of a vessel this week.
The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) captured a hulbot-hulbot fishing vessel in the municipal waters of Carles during a seaborne patrol.
The vessel, F/B JAF 8, was piloted by Marlon Dela Peña of Barangay Botongon, Estancia, accompanied by 19 crew members.
They were engaged in Danish seine fishing, a method locally known as hulbot-hulbot, which is prohibited under Section 246-1 of the Fisheries Administrative Order in connection with Republic Act 10654 designed to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
This fishing technique has been banned due to its destructive impact on the seabed and marine life, leading to environmental degradation and the depletion of fish stocks.
While Dela Peña is currently detained at the Carles municipal police station, his crew was released as they were not covered by the penal provisions of the order.
The fishing boat and its accessories have been seized by the taskforce.
Authorities also recovered eight tubs of assorted fish valued at approximately P30,000 from the vessel. The catch will be distributed to government penal hospitals and charitable institutions.
“We will not cease our efforts to combat illegal fishing in Northern Iloilo as per the clear directive from Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.,” said Provincial Administrator Raul Banias.
This year, the IPBDTF has already apprehended around 10 vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities in the waters off Concepcion, Carles, and Estancia./PN
