JOINT BFAR-PCG ENFORCERS NAB BANNED HULBOT VESSEL OPERATING IN SIBUGAY

WATERS

A fishing boat utilizing Modified Danish Seine gear, locally known as hulbot-hulbot, was
apprehended by the Fishery Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG) of BFAR IX in
coordination with personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cape Engañ o (MRRV-4411)
on Sunday morning, January 8, 2023, within the vicinity waters of Payao, Zamboanga
Sibugay.

The joint seaborne operation was conducted in response to persistent complaint lodged by
concerned citizens, particularly municipal fisherfolk in the area, regarding the rampant
presence of hulbot-hulbot vessels which destroy coastal resources in the course of the
latter’s fishing activity. The apprehended boat, described to be of wooden hull of white and
blue color, was sighted near Cabuc Island and deploying nine (9) unlicensed fish workers.
The apprehending team decided to tow the seized vessel to the designated holding area of
the Coast Guard station at Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The operation of a hulbot-hulbot vessel is prohibited under Section 97 (Ban on Muro-ami,

other methods and Gear destructive to Coral Reefs and other Marine Habitat) of RA 10654
or the Amended Philippine Fisheries Code in relation to Fisheries Administrative Order
(FAO) 246-1 series of 2018. On the other hand, commercial fishing vessel operators
employing unlicensed fisherfolk, fishworkers or crew is proscribed under Section 113 of
the same law.

The boat owner was issued a Notice of Violation and an administrative case was filed
against the violators before the agency’s Adjudication Committee.