Military patrols off Batanes get warm response from leaders, fisherfolks alike

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Military patrols off Batanes get warm response from leaders, fisherfolks alike

The decision of the military to conduct a series of maritime and air patrols off the Batanes Island chains has greatly reduced the incidents of poaching, earning the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) accolades from local leaders and fishermen alike.

This was stated by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in a statement Wednesday.

“Governor Marilou Cayco of Batanes extended the gratitude of the fisherfolks of Batanes for the continuous maritime patrol being facilitated by the Philippine Air Force, Navy, and Marines in the northernmost islands and sea territory of the province,” he said.

Arevalo said the Batanes governor formalized her appreciation for the patrols in a letter to Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) head Lt. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo.

In the letter, Cayco disclosed that she was being flooded with positive feedbacks especially from the fishermen who are mostly benefiting from the maritime patrolling.

“The incessant problem of poaching in our waters took a respite after the patrol and according to our fisherfolks, they can now fish without being in persistent fear of encountering boats with foreign markings,” the Batanes governor added.

"Our scarce resource and means in protecting our own territory was obliterated by the AFP’s genuine concern to our people by keeping our people safe and free from threats of foreign poachers,” she pointed out.

Last March 19, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) sailed to Mavulis Island, Itbayat, Batanes to conduct a site survey at the northernmost island of the country.

The ship also conducted a series of patrols off Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, Dalupiri, Calayan and Casambalangan, Sta. Ana Cagayan.

Since then, frequent maritime patrolling were facilitated by the military in the area, deterring would-be poachers.

Arevalo said the AFP through NOLCOM started its maritime awareness activities in Mavulis Island in April 2016.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977784