By Tara Yap

According to Iloilo Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, citing Bantay Dagat reports, there has been a rise in illegal fishing apprehensions in the area of the Visayan Sea off the coast of northern Iloilo.
Recently, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) apprehended two hulbot-hulbot operators, referring to a specific kind of banned fishing net, near Carles, Iloilo.
Despite the increase in illegal activity, Banias assured Bantay Dagat will still enforce both local and national laws to apprehend those engaged in illegal fishing.
He noted Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. has stepped up the campaign against illegal fishers throughout his administration./WDJ