CPAIFTF Receives Top Award, Heightens Efforts vs. Illegal Fishing

The Cebu Provincial Anti-Ilegal Task Force (CPAIFTF) was awarded as the country’s top performing government organization in 2014 during the recent 114th Police Service Anniversary Celebration of the Philippne National Police.

PDRRMO Head, Baltazar S. Tribunalo Jr. received the award during the Awarding Ceremony, Oathtaking and Pinning of Ranks of PNP 7 at the Regional Maritime Headquarter, Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City on August 17.

CPAIFTF bested other government organizations that have partnered with the Regional Maritime Unit 7 in attaining the mission and objective of the Maritime Group.

Atty. Czareem Joseph U. Estella, CPAIFTF coordinator who assumed office in March this year said that the 2014 accomplishment posed a challenge to do better.

CPAIFTF is heightening its efforts in implementing the Revised Fisheries Code of Cebu with emphasis on sharks and rays protection and the entry of illegally caught fish and other endangered, threatened and rare species in the market.

With the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. set to donate two patrol boats—one for the Tañon Strait Protected Seacape and other one for the province—Estella said they will be useful in their seaborne patrol operations.

“Seaborne patrol operations will be conducted regularly. This will be augmented by the two patrol boats being purchased by the province,” Estella added.

CPAIFTF is a composite team comprised of different national agencies mandated to implement laws of Cebu Province and country. PENRO Correspondent Timi-Lou Q. Manalili

www.cebu.gov.ph