INTER-MUNICIPAL coordination and legislation were cited as among the problems faced by the police in enforcing fishery and other environmental laws.

These concerns were raised during a one-day Philippine National Police (PNP) orientation on environmental laws as sponsored by the Fishery Improved for Sustainable Harvest (Fish) project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAid).

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Present during Monday's orientation were police environment desk officers (Pedos) from all the police stations in Negros Oriental, as well as their respective chiefs of police.

Representatives from Siquior, Bohol and Cebu also attended the activity.

According to the participants, enforcement would not be a problem to them if their local executives have the political will.

Prof. Nigel Armada, fisheries management advisor of the Fish project, stressed the need for the integration of all the local government units in addressing illegal fishing activities.

He believes that enforcement of coastal resource management laws would be cheaper and effective if implementors form alliances.

In Negros Oriental, at least four municipalities in the north have allied with each other to enforce fishery laws, calling themselves as Batman, which composes the municipalities of Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan and Manjuyod.

Vice Governor Jose Baldado had been pushing for the activation of the Pedos to help in the implementation of not only fishery laws but also other environmental laws.

But the police raised the same concern, which is lack of support from their respective local chief executives.

This developed as local chief executives are also undertaking a three-day executive course on coastal management in Dumaguete and it is expected that coordination problems will be addressed. (PNA)