FROM RIDGE TO REEF
Woman risks life for marine environment protection
GINA Mozo Barquilla is “woman power” personified.
She is the municipal environment and natural resources officer (Menro) of Del Carmen, Siargao, who was shot by an arrow and repeatedly punched for strictly enforcing environmental laws.
At first glance, Barquilla’s infectious smile and maternal air would belie the warrior within, but once her story flows, her innate strength and straightforwardness follow.
The woman takes her job seriously, not because of the pay or promotion; she is the consummate marine environmentalist.
Aside from working as Menro, she also manages the Solid Waste Management Program and the protection of the marine waters of the surfing capital of the Philippines. She is also a member of the Regional Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development of the Regional Maritime Unit (RMU-13).
No one, not even the vicious men doing illegal acts, can stop her.
One encounter happened in February 2014 when Barquilla led a manhunt, surveillance and apprehension of the people behind an illegal logging in Siargao. She and the composite team of the Armed Forces confiscated the timber.
The culprit — the judge.
“Three days upon learning that I was the one leading the operations, he went to my office and punched me twice. It hurt, but I did not back down,” Barquilla recalled.
Siargao was abuzz then about a a Menro who would not be fazed or bribed.
“Illegal loggers were scared because they knew someone in the government was not afraid to enforce the law. They knew I could not be bought, and I am out to get them,” she said.
Such grit intimidated the men behind the illegal logging in Siargao.
Slowly, the illegal logging of mangrove trees and timbers stopped.
Another incident that turned the tide for Siargao’s marine environment was her sheer nerve to go after illegal fishermen.
“This happened in March 2020 at the height of the pandemic. We were on a seaborne operation when we encountered men conducting illegal fishing. They scurried away, probably thinking that if they lose us, they will be spared,” Barquilla narrated.
But it was not in her character to withdraw, and so were the Army soldiers who were with her. A high-speed chase ensued, with the illegal fishermen shooting arrows at their boat. A warning shot and a few minutes later, Barquilla’s team apprehended the men.
“When I started this endeavor of protecting our municipality’s marine environment, I swore to fight anyone, even the high target violators, that are destroying our natural resources. I am here to protect the environment from ridge to reef, even if it risks my life to implement our mandates, ”she said.
Barquilla shares her advocacy with the community through an information and education campaign. Her simple manner of teaching has resulted in the eradication of illegal fishing and illegal logging in the town, with the majority of the communities understanding and taking part in marine conservation programs.
The local government of Siargao is also considering benchmarking the town’s best practices in managing conservation programs for the environment.
With her close and strong involvement in the conservation of the environment, Barquilla was invited to join the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), and in November 2023, was conferred with the rank of auxiliary lieutenant under the 1503rd Squadron in Northeastern Mindanao.
The PCGA is the uniformed civilian volunteer arm of the Coast Guard tasked under Republic Act 9993 or the Coast Guard Law of 2009 to assist the PCG in the conduct of maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, marine environment protection, and maritime community relations.
Outside of her job, Barquilla sees herself as nothing more than a simple employee who loves fixing her garden in her downtime. When duty calls, however, she readily dons the fierce persona who deals with straight work and real talk.