TWO of the most distinguished women in the local maritime industry were recognized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group for their support and contribution to the programs of the said organization.

Lawyer Brenda Pimentel, former regional coordinator of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in East Asia, and Mary Ann Ibuna Pastrana, chairman of Archipelago Philippines Ferries Corp. (APFC), the shipping company that owns and operates Fastcat, were recognized by the PNP Maritime Group during its 32nd founding anniversary last March 21, 2023.

PNP-Maritime Group director BGen. Romaldo Bayting acknowledged the contribution of the awardees and the organization’s personnel.

“They are a reminder of greater things and aspirations and a source of our greater motivation, to pursue the insurmountable challenges at hand. Individually we are one drop, together we are an ocean,” he said.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., who was the presiding officer, was represented by MGen. Jonnel Estomo, acting deputy chief of PNP for Operations.

Estomo commended Bayting for leading the personnel under his command in contributing distinctive accomplishments to the PNP organization in line with the Malasakit + Kaayusan + Kapayapaan = Kaunlaran or MKK=K framework and Kasimbayanan (Kapulisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan) program of the PNP chief and becoming the epitome of “Pulis Makakalikasan.”

In a message relayed by Estomo, Azurin said with the PNP’s modernization in watercraft, tools and armaments, the PNP Maritime Group will continue to play its crucial role of coastal law enforcement as part of the PNP’s relentless campaign against criminality.

“Indeed, this speaks well of your loyalty, perseverance, and also triumphs in carrying out the mandates as you continuously evolve into a more reliable, relevant maritime police over the years in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pastrana thanked the PNP-Maritime Group for recognizing the contributions of APFC.

“Our company shares the same vision with the PNP Maritime Group in extending care to the community and our collaboration exemplifies the unity of maritime stakeholders to impact the coastal communities and surmount current and future challenges,” she said.