NEW Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG) director Brigadier General Jonathan A. Cabal said they would tap modern technology to enhance their operational capabilities in order to protect maritime resources and territory.

The official took over as the new head of the PNP-MARIG, the main police unit tasked to ensure public safety and internal security over the country’s territorial waters, rivers and coastal areas.

He was designated as PNP-MARIG director by PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil.

“I am acutely aware of the weight of responsibility that comes with this position. As we look ahead, I am filled with a profound sense of purpose and determination to uphold the noble mission of the Maritime Group-to protect and secure our seas, safeguard maritime interests and ensure the safety and well-being of our maritime communities,” said the official.

Cabal is now supervising all PNP-MARIG efforts to support local territorial units in conducting anti-criminality, public safety internal security and anti-terrorism operations in the maritime environment; in enforcing environmental and maritime laws; and in conducting tactical boat operations and maritime investigations.

The PNP-MARIG is mandated to perform all police functions over Philippine territorial waters, lakes and rivers along coastal areas to include ports and harbors and small islands for the security and the sustainable development of the maritime environment in the Philippines.

It currently operates 17 Regional Maritime Units, 2 Special Units and 2 Special Operations Units.

Under Cabal, PNP-MARIG agents from May 6 to 12 arrested a total of 1,610 lawbreakers, including those engaged in unregulated fishing activities, violators of local fisher and municipal ordinances, the Wildlife Act and Forestry Code and Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

It also accounted for at least 30 wanted persons in coordination with local territorial units.

The PNP-MARIG also assisted other PNP units in arresting persons wanted for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 and RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Cabal said that although they are being faced with a myriad of challenges ranging from maritime security threats to environmental concerns, he is confident that their collective effort will make them grow stronger than before.

Cabal said he will also see to it that there will be an honest-to-goodness ‘reward and punishment’ program in the PNP-MARIG which marked its 33rd founding anniversary last April 30.

Officers of the Regional Maritime Unit 4-A led the top awardees during the anniversary rites.

The unit headed by Colonel Ariel N. Quilang was adjudged as the Best Maritime Unit of the Year while the Quezon Provincial Maritime Police Station was picked as the Best Maritime Police Station of the Year.