23
waters.127 The NAPC-AFSC-IPSC Joint Resolution no. 1 series of 2021128 created a technical working
group (TWG) that looked to provide a platform for the cooperation and convergence of government
instrumentalities that ensures the preferential rights of artisanal fisherfolks and indigenous fisherfolk over
coastal and fisheries resources. It also seeks to facilitate the harmonization of plans and programs of various
government agencies and LGUs on the use of municipal and ancestral waters. According to Mr. Rosales,
they are pushing for the creation of an interagency committee on the rights and use of municipal and
ancestral waters through an issuance of Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC).129 Besides the AFSC and IPSC,
the said TWG has members from concerned government agencies 130 and advocates from NGOs and
CSOs.131
Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG)
The initial presentation from the PNP-MG was done by Police Major Edmund A. Lazaro, and focused
on their efforts against illegal fishing. The PNP Maritime Group as part of the National Operation Support
Unit (NOSU), performs all police functions over the territorial waters of the country 132 and includes the
concerns of small-scale fisherfolk. One function of the PNP-MG that affects mostly the fishery industry
and fisherfolks is the enforcement of all laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances relative to the protection
of lives, property, and the environment.133 Maj. Lazaro clarified that although the PNP-MG is not only
considerate to illegal fishing, for the purposes of his presentation, this will be the focus.
In the implementation of the
Fisheries Code, they have
conducted a total 7,867
operations
which
have
resulted in 10,304 arrested
and a total of 504 cases files
or referred to in court. Maj.
Lazaro also shared ongoing
plans, programs including the
acquisition of lots in coastal
municipalities
for
the
establishment of Maritime
Police stations and precincts,
special operation units, and
also the implementation of
EO 305 and the Fishing
Vessel Clearance. 134
Table 3. Other laws implemented by PNP-MG
127
Consultations with NGAs, supra note 40
128
Creation of a technical working group to conduct activities and every means to introduce policy reforms on the conflicting preferential use
and rights of municipal waters vis a vis ancestral waters/domain. The TWG members includes concerned government agencies and advocates
from the CSOs/NGOs sector
129
Consultations with NGAs, supra note 40
130
DILG, NCIP, NAMRIA, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), and the
League of Municipalities (LMP)
131
Asian NGO Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ANGOC), NGOs for Fisheries Reform (NFR), Philippine Association for
Intercultural Development Inc. (PAFID), and Rare Philippines.
132
Brief History of Maritime Group, available from mg.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/history
133
Consultations with NGAs, supra note 40
134
Sec. 4(5.3) of the IRR of the Executive Order 305 www.oneocean.org/download/db_files/eo305_guidelines.pdf