Task force, cops rewarded for confiscation of corals

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City government yesterday acknowledged the contribution of the members of Unifief Task Force in barangay Punta Engaño who provided support to the police in the campaign against illegal shipment of corals.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza personally handed P2,000 as incentive and a plaques of appreciation to Castor Sagang, Marlon Perez, Alejandro Veloria, Remegio Bontilo, Marcialito Eyas, and Dianito Dyumaguin.

Also acknowledged were the members of the Police Station 2 station in barangay Mactan.

Radaza said the members of the United Task Force played an important role in assisting the police in monitoring the shipment of corals.

The police in Lapu-Lapu and the members of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force were responsible for the series of confiscation of corals.

Millions of pesos worth of corals were found abandoned at the coastal barangay of Punta Engaño.

A separate operation was also conducted by the task force confiscating corals allegedly owned by barangay Punta Engaño captain Lourdes Ibag.

Ibag strongly denied involvement in illegal shipment of corals.

On the other hand, Gov. Gwen Garcia has urged barangay officials of Punta Engaño headed by Ibag to show that they are serious in the campaign.

Garcia said barangay officials may face charges if they fail to address the problem involving the destruction of marine resources.

It was learned that these corals came from other places.