PNP-MG launches Marine Conservation & Scuba Diving Expo.

The Philippine National Police- Maritime Group launched on Wednesday the MG Expo '09, a Marine Conservation and Scuba Diving Exposition, at the Multipurpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City with the theme, "Pulis Pangkaragatan: Kaagapay ng Mamamayan sa Kapayapaan at Pangangalaga ng Yamang-Dagat." Maritime Group chief Senior Superintendent Freddie O. Panen said the activity is the first-ever Marine Expo done by the PNP and aims to increase the awareness of the public and educate PNP personnel with regards to marine conservation and protection. "The MG Expo is the Maritime Group's initial step into taking a more pro-active approach towards the Chief PNP's thrust in protecting the environment, particularly our marine biodiversity. In that regard, we are also undergoing an intensified training on small boat operations as well as SCUBA diving in order to strengthen our capabilities in operations against illegal and blast fishing," Panen added. PNP chief Director General Jesus A. Verzosa congratulated the MG in its endeavor to raise public awareness regarding environmental protection. According to Verzosa, the public should be more aware of their responsibilities and the repercussions of their actions. "This expo is a great opportunity for the participants to learn and educate themselves with regards to environmental awareness. Our resolve and determination to care for the environment will be further strengthened through proper knowledge and awareness of the real situation our environment is in," Verzosa said. Verzosa also cited a recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling instructing different government agencies to conduct activities that will aid in cleaning up the Manila Bay area. This is the first ruling by the high court that explicitly orders the protection of a specific body of water. According to Panen, they have already heeded this directive by the SC and that they are closely working with other government agencies in the demolition of unauthorized fishpens as well as the confiscation of dynamites and blasting caps used by illegal fishermen. "The Supreme Court ruling has indeed increased our fervor and fueled our determination in our operations. Before, our main focus has been catching dynamite users but now we are also targeting the suppliers and the makers of these illegal explosives," Panen stressed. The MG Expo '09 will continue until February 23 and other topics that will be discussed by guest lecturers include State of Marine Resources, Philippine Conservation Effort, Coral Triangle Initiative, Coastal Law Enforcement and Prosecuting Environmental Cases. Several booths put up by other government organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), the academe as well as various boat shops within Metro Manila are also featured in the expo. (PNA)

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)

Source Citation:"PNP-MG launches Marine Conservation & Scuba Diving Expo." Philippines News Agency (Feb 18, 2009): NA. General Business File ASAP. Gale. Alachua County Library District. 19 Sept. 2009
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