Marina chief submits resignation

MANILA, Philippines — After almost 17 months of serving as Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator, Hernani Fabia has tendered his resignation.

A source said that Fabia’s resignation became effective “upon acceptance of the President.”

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin received Fabia’s resignation letter. Malacañang reportedly issued a reply to Fabia last Dec. 1 but Marina received it only last Dec. 6.

Fabia reportedly did not cite any reason for his resignation, merely stating in his letter that he wished to resign. He also reportedly no longer reported to the Marina yesterday.

Deputy administrator for operations Nannette Villamor-Dinopol, the agency’s most senior official, assumes Fabia’s post until an officer-in-charge is formally appointed. “It would be business as usual” at Marina, the source said.

Fabia, a lawyer, is reportedly known in the industry as a maritime educator and founder of the PNTC Colleges, a maritime training institution.