Two ‘super hulbot’ vessels seized in Carles

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (PBDTF) apprehended two modified Danish Seine vessels, also known as “super hulbots,” on July 1 near Asluman, Carles.

Identified as F/B Toto Jeb-3 and F/B Zha, the vessels were using fishing gear harmful to coral reefs and capable of capturing juvenile fish.

Under Fishery Administrative Order 246-1 and Republic Act 10654, super hulbot operations are strictly prohibited in all Philippine waters due to their destructive impact on the marine ecosystem, as highlighted by Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias in a social media post.

The vessels and their equipment have been impounded and are now under the custody of the PBDTF. Crew members are detained at the Carles Municipal Police Station, with legal proceedings initiated as of July 2.

This latest operation brings the total number of seized super hulbots under PBDTF control to eight within a six-month period. The vessels are currently held at an impounding area in Sitio Puntalis, Barangay Nipa, Concepcion.

This enforcement effort complies with the directives of Gov. Toto Defensor to protect, preserve, and rehabilitate municipal waters and to prevent and apprehend all forms of illegal fishing.