Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assigned in Culaba, Biliran was arrested by authorities following allegations that he extorted money from local hulbot-hulbot fishing operators and allegedly demanded fish in exchange for allowing their activities to continue. The operation was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Biliran, with assistance from the Biliran Provincial Mobile Force Company (BPMFC). However, the PCG officer strongly denied the accusations, claiming that the complaints were retaliation from individuals affected by his intensified campaign against illegal fishing operations in the area.
CULABA, Biliran — A team leader of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assigned in Culaba, Biliran was arrested by authorities following complaints from local fishing operators who accused him of allegedly demanding money and other favors in exchange for allowing their operations to continue.
According to reports, several operators of “hulbutan” fishing activities filed complaints against the coast guard official, alleging that he regularly demanded cash payments from them. Some complainants further claimed that the officer would also ask for fish and allegedly refused to accept small quantities.
The arrest stemmed from an operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Biliran, with assistance from the Biliran Provincial Mobile Force Company (BPMFC) Mobile Platoon.
Authorities have yet to release complete details regarding the charges that may be filed against the arrested officer, but the operation was described as a successful law enforcement action following the complaints lodged by the fishing operators.
One of the complainants, identified as a hulbutan operator, expressed frustration over the alleged situation, saying that despite the questionable legality of their activities, they themselves had allegedly become victims of illegal acts.
“Their activities may already be considered illegal, yet they were allegedly subjected to illegal demands as well,” the operator said. However, the accused PCG team leader strongly denied the allegations. In an interview circulated by local media outlet Biliran Island, the officer insisted that the accusations were false and were merely retaliation by individuals affected by his intensified campaign against illegal fishing activities in the area.
The official maintained that he had been strictly enforcing maritime and fisheries regulations, which may have angered those engaged in unauthorized operations.
The incident has sparked public discussion in Biliran, with some residents calling for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the truth behind the conflicting claims.
As of this writing, authorities have not yet issued a final statement on the case, and investigations are ongoing to establish whether the allegations are supported by sufficient evidence.
The case highlights the continuing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in balancing the fight against illegal fishing while ensuring accountability and integrity among public officials tasked with enforcing the law.