PNP bags award for protecting environment

THE PHILIPPINE National Police Maritime Group was recently honored with the first Asia Environmental Enforcement Award along with seven other organizations in Asia.

The Maritime Group was recognized for conducting more than 1,500 operations on the violation of fisheries and wildlife laws leading to the seizure of endangered aquatic species, 3,000 arrests and collection of more than $300,000 in fines.

The award, a joint initiative of the UN Environmental Programme and Freeland, was given last May 20 in Bangkok, Thailand.

In a statement, PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina congratulated the Maritime Group for taking home the award.

“They did not only bring home honors for themselves and the PNP, but for the country as well,” Espina said yesterday.

The Maritime Group is headed by Chief Supt. Noel Lazarus Vargas, who said the accolades are his unit’s tribute to Mother Nature and in line with the realization of “Makakalikasan,” one of the PNP’s core values.

“Our function involves environmental protection and preservation. This shows that the Maritime Group has improved its performance beyond standards,” Vargas said.

Aside from the Asia Environmental Enforcement Award given to the unit, two officials of the Maritime Group were also feted individually.

Senior Supt. Jonathan Ablang, the deputy director for operations, was recognized for promoting the establishment of marine protected areas.

He was also cited for the recruitment and training of 679 local communities as marine protected area guards, and for setting up a hotline that helped in the arrest of thousands of suspects for illegal fishing and environmental pollution violations.