PNP to transfer Maritime Group headquarters to Zamboanga

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 28): PNP to transfer Maritime Group headquarters to Zamboanga

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to transfer the main headquarters of the Maritime Group from Manila to a shoreline barangay in this city to help other maritime related agencies enforce the law in the seas of Mindanao and the Sulu Sea.

The Maritime Group is a National Operational Support Unit of the PNP mandated to perform all police function over Philippine Waters.

Its functions include the enforcement of the law, prevent and control of crimes, maintenance of peace and order, public safety and internal security over Philippine islands, coastal areas, ports and harbors to protect and sustain the development of the maritime environment.

9th Maritime Mobile Group (MMG) commander Supt. Rollen Ariño said that except for a few other things to be ironed out, the transfer could start this year.

Ariño added the proposed transfer of the Maritime Group headquarters has a 90 percent “go signal” from PNP Director-General Alan Purisima.

He said this city appears to be the most suitable place although the Maritime Group is also considering others areas in the country for its main headquarters.

Arino said negotiations are on-going for the use of a four-hectare shoreline area in Barangay Bolong, 32.6 kilometers east of this city.

He noted that Barangay Bolong is an ideal place for the Maritime Group headquarters since the place sits along the sea lanes where pirates and other lawless elements criss-cross from the Sulu Archipelago to Southern Mindanao with illegal pursuits and purposes that needs positive and aggressive response from the authorities.

Bolong is also easily accessible to Sacol Island and the Eleven Islands, which are known sanctuaries and jump-off points of pirates, kidnappers and other lawless elements.

The Maritime Group headquarters, once transferred, will have its own wharf and berthing areas for the command’s sea crafts.

The 9th MMG has its headquarters at present along the shore of Barangay Baliwasan, 3.5 kilometers west of this city, but it does not have its own berthing facilities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=538972