Residents of Barangay Debangan in Taytay, Palawan, raised alarm over the resurgence of illegal hulbot-hulbot fishing near their island, saying it threatens the recovery of fish stocks they have long waited to replenish.
In a video posted by a concerned netizen, several vessels were seen allegedly engaged in hulbot-hulbot fishing, a method banned under Philippine law for its destructive impact on marine ecosystems.
“Lantaran, garapalan. Naglipana nanaman ang mga hulbot sa likod ng aming minamahal na isla, Brgy. Debangan. Wala nanamang kakawilin na bisugo ngayong darating na amihan,” the post read.
The resident lamented that years of waiting for the return of threadfin bream, locally known as bisugo, could go to waste if authorities fail to stop the operations.
“Ilang taong naghintay ang mga taga-Barangay Debangan na lumaki at dumami ulit ang mga bisugo na dati na ring inubos ng mga hulbot,” the post continued.
The netizen called on municipal officials to act against the illegal fishers.
“Kumilos naman sana ang mga kinauukulan sa bayan ng Taytay,” the post added.
Under the Amended Fisheries Code, hulbot-hulbot or Danish seine fishing is prohibited due to its destructive nature, particularly its damage to coral reefs and seagrass beds that serve as fish habitats.
