Concepcion crackdown nets PHP 4.55 million fishing vessel

ILOILO CITY — A commercial fishing vessel and its fishing gear and catch, with a combined estimated value of PHP 4.55 million, were seized after authorities allegedly caught its crew using “hulbot-hulbot,” or Danish seine fishing, in the municipal waters of Concepcion, Iloilo.

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF), with support from the Regional Intelligence Unit 6, conducted the operation Monday night, Oct. 5, off Baligiuan Island in Barangay Malangabang.

According to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, patrolling teams spotted the commercial fishing vessel actively deploying the prohibited fishing gear in municipal waters.

Authorities said the operation involved an alleged violation of Section 97 of Republic Act No. 10654, which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, in relation to Fisheries Administrative Order No. 246-1.

FAO 246-1 bans the operation of Danish seine and modified Danish seine throughout Philippine waters because components such as weighted scarelines can damage coral reefs, seagrass beds and other marine habitats.

Authorities identified the boat operator as Rowel Montirola Lahoy-lahoy of San Remigio, Cebu.

The confiscated fishing vessel was valued at around PHP 4 million, while the Danish seine fishing gear was estimated at PHP 500,000.

Authorities also seized 15 tubs, or banyeras, of assorted fish estimated to be worth PHP 50,000.

The provincial government said the enforcement action was intended to protect municipal fishing grounds that local fisherfolk rely on for their livelihood and food supply.

Under the Fisheries Code, municipal waters generally extend up to 15 kilometers from the coastline, with their use primarily reserved for registered municipal fisherfolk and their organizations, subject to limited exceptions allowed by law.

Authorities said stopping commercial operators from using prohibited fishing methods helps protect coastal resources and preserve the productivity of local fishing grounds.

The apprehension also serves as a warning to operators against entering municipal waters and using prohibited fishing gear, authorities said.

The seized vessel and fishing gear remain under government custody pending the filing of administrative and criminal charges.