GOOD NEWS! PRES DUTERTE APRUBADO NA ANG PAGBILI NG 2 PATROL HELICOPTERS W/ NIGHT-FLYING CAPABILITY AT 20 FLYING DRONES VS. KONTRA ILLEGAL FISHING SA MGA FOREIGN FISHING BOATS....

The proposal of Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to acquire at least two patrol helicopters with night flying capability and about 20 long distance flying drones to boost Philippine government’s campaign against illegal fishing and poaching by foreign fishing boats was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte during the May 8 Cabinet meeting.

This is alongside with DAF Chief Manny Piñol’s proposal to establish an offshore research facility in Philippine Rise formerly called Benham Rise which the President also approved.

“In the plan which I presented to President Duterte during Monday’s Cabinet meeting, the procurement of patrol helicopters with night-flying capability and long-distance flying drones was also included which he also approved,” Secretary Piñol said.

“Reports of continued poaching by foreign fishing vessels were received and verified,” Secretary Piñol said in earlier statement.

“The proposal to acquire helicopters and drones, including fast boats, has been included in the budget of the DAF for 2018 and was already presented to Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno,” Secretary Piñol said.

Meanwhile, the facility to be constructed in Philippine Rise will house scientists and researchers who will look into ways to protect the rich fishing grounds from over-exploitation and destruction.

It could also serve as an advance post to monitor the presence of poachers and illegal fishers.

SOURCE : PINOYNEWZ