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In order to combat against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) enrolled some of its personnel in an intensive law enforcement training program at the National Brackishwater Fisheries Technology Center in Pagbilao, Quezon.

Out of the original 76 participants, a total of 62 graduates completed the boot camp which started in October last year.

“The training was meant to capacitate our personnel with enough knowledge and skills that will allow them to ensure proper management and protection of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources,” quoted Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala. He also noted that an effective law enforcer will be greatly helpful to the local fishing industry’s progress, and its people.

Asis G. Perez, DA Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR National Director, said the training was divided into two parts. First, a 30-day transition period where participants learned about discipline, conduct, and values, basic tactical training, and strenuous physical training. The second part is a 60-day period where they concentrate on BFAR operations and protocols, fishery laws and aquatic protection, shipboard operations and practicum, advance tactical training, water search and rescue, field training exercises and physical development program.

Also part of BFAR’s law enforcement capacity-strengthening is the procurement of 27 units of 40-footer Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) vessels, 70 units of 30-footer multi-mission vessels, and two units of 50-meter vessel equipped with necessary special operations tools and devices such as service firearms, GPS, night vision goggles, scuba gears, and rigid-hulled inflatable rubber boats.

For Region 1, there were 4 graduates; Region 2 has 6; Region 3 has 5; R4 ,2; R4B, 3; R5, 4; R6, 3;

For Region 7, 1 graduate; Region 8 has 8; R9, 1 graduate; R10, 6; R11, 3; R12, 8; and R13, 3. All in all, the total is 62, with 48 males, and 14 females.(Photo by: Jimmy Camba)

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