Anti-illegal fishing task force chief quits post

THE head of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force has resigned.

Romeo Tapayan, a retired Navy captain, cited health reasons for leaving his post. His resignation will take effect on March 1.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said  Tapayan’s job has taken a toll on his health.

“He is already over 60,” he said.

Aside from heading the anti-illegal fishing task force, Tapayan is also the provincial government’s consultant on peace and order.

According to the governor, he still has nobody in mind to replace Tapayan.

However, Davide added that there is no need to hire a consultant for peace and order.

“We are already coordinating with the police in the province and the region for our operations,” he said.

Tapayan started serving in the provincial government three years ago when Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale assumed the gubernatorial post following the suspension of then governor and now Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia.

The retired Navy captain worked alongside former chief security officer Loy Madrigal in the apprehension of several illegal fishing operators, although the latter was more visible in the task force’s efforts.

The task force is under the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).

Davide said Tapayan’s performance as consultant and head of task force was good.

“I thanked him for his services when I spoke to him,” he said.

The governor knows Tapayan personally, he told reporters.

Davide said that if Capitol consultants feel like their work is taking a toll on their health, they can leave.

He said that aside from serving as a consultant, Tapayan also runs his own business.