The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has joined authorities in intensifying anti-illegal fishing operations in the vicinity waters off Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

On 27 February 2024, the PCG, LGU of Kabasalan, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) apprehended two motorbancas engaging in “hulbot-hulbot."

According to the Coast Guard Station Zamboanga Sibugay, the use of modified danish siene or “hulbot-hulbot” is a banned fishing practice due to its destructive nature where illegal fishers use fine mesh nets and equipment that destroy marine resources.

Some of these practitioners have been operating within the municipal waters — affecting the catch of small-scale fishermen.

PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has commended the PCG, LGU, and PNP for their effective interagency collaboration to fight illegal fishing.

"The success of this operation highlights the diverse and broad roles of the PCG, and the effective interagency collaboration of concerned government agencies to ensure higher operational cost-efficiency and impact," the Coast Guard Commandant emphasized.