Authorities seize alleged hulbot-hulbot boat off Carles

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — Authorities intercepted a fishing vessel allegedly using prohibited Danish seine, or “hulbot-hulbot,” fishing gear off Barangay Lantangan in Carles, Iloilo, during a seaborne patrol Aug. 1.

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force seized the vessel in coordination with the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company and Regional Intelligence Unit 6.

Authorities said they spotted the F/B Warriors at about 8:30 a.m. allegedly operating the prohibited fishing gear within Carles’ municipal waters.

The vessel’s captain, John Alberto Pasaporte Jr., 42, of Barangay Botongon in Estancia, Iloilo, was arrested with his 15 crew members.

Authorities seized the vessel, its engines, a Danish seine fishing net, more than 1,200 meters of rope, and two containers of assorted fish valued at an estimated PHP 10,000.

The vessel and its equipment were impounded over an alleged violation of Section 97 of Republic Act No. 10654, which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code to strengthen measures against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

The alleged offense was also linked to Fisheries Administrative Order No. 246-1, which prohibits the operation and possession of Danish seines and modified Danish seines in Philippine waters.

Pasaporte was detained at the Carles Municipal Police Station pending the filing of appropriate charges.

Authorities later released his 15 crew members, saying they were not covered by the penal provisions cited in the case.

The vessel, fishing gear, and other confiscated equipment remain in the custody of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force as evidence.

Authorities said the confiscated fish would be distributed to government penal and charitable institutions in accordance with existing regulations.

Danish seine, locally known as “hulbot-hulbot,” uses weighted nets and ropes that are dragged along the seabed.

The fishing method has been banned because it can damage coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats while catching juvenile fish and nontarget species.

The apprehension is part of the Iloilo provincial government’s continuing campaign against illegal fishing under the directive of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.

The campaign seeks to protect the province’s coastal and marine resources from destructive and prohibited fishing practices.