PH sets up Nat'l Coast Watch Center to deter intrusions

From Rappler (May 1): PH sets up Nat'l Coast Watch Center to deter intrusions

The Philippines will also set up radar stations. It is looking at areas in Palawan – El Nido, Rizal, and Sabang – as possible stations for the radar system

The Philippines has started constructing the National Coast Watch Center, a command post facility where different government agencies will work together to enhance the country's maritime border security.

US firm Raytheon bagged the contract to build it.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said construction started in April and will be completed by 2015.

The Philippines will also set up radar stations and it is in the initial stage of looking for strategic areas. It is looking at areas in Palawan – El Nido, Rizal, and Sabang – as possible stations for the radar system.

“We are proposing 96 nautical miles range [from the radar station toward the sea]. At least it can cover 200 EEZ (exclusive economic zone),” Isorena said.

The project has a budget of P792 million (about $18 million) to include support integration of data from various agencies into the coast watch center, maritime surveillance system, and radio communications.

Isorena said the National Coast Watch Center will help the coast guard monitor entry of foreign vessels and check if they are carrying weapons of mass destruction.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/56913-national-coast-watch-center-philippines