The joint elements of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force, the Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Regional Intelligence Unit intercepted another illegal commercial fishing boat engaging in "Hulbot-Hulbot" (Danish Seine) fishing within the coastal waters of Brgy. Punta Buri, Carles last June 20, 2026.
Authorities identified the boat captain as Archie Wenceslao Pugay, a resident of Barangay Bancal, Carles. Pugay who faces charges for violation of Section 97 of Republic Act 10654 (The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) in relation to Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 246-1, which strictly prohibits the operation of Danish Seine and Modified Danish Seine in Philippine waters.
Danish Seine is classified as an active, destructive fishing gear. It utilizes a conical net attached to long ropes weighted with sinkers, plastic strips, or buri leaves to herd fish. The gear is hauled using a mechanical winch or manual labor, causing severe damage to the marine ecosystem.
The boat captain was informed of his constitutional rights and is currently held in temporary custody at the Carles Municipal Police Station pending the filing of formal charges.
Law enforcement confiscated approximately P2 million worth of fishing paraphernalia and recovered 15 tubs of assorted fish valued at P50,000.
The Iloilo provincial government continues with the crackdown of illegal fishing activities to protect and preserve the Visayan Sea.