PCG-Davao to get new equipment to strengthen sea patrol

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): PCG-Davao to get new equipment to strengthen sea patrol

The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) in Davao expects the deployment of a multi-role express vessel that will help and strengthen their patrol operation at sea.

This was revealed by PCG Sta. Ana station commander Lt. Commodore Dan August Carino who said that this is part of the P1.4 billion budget under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the acquisition of 10 multi-role express vessels to be deployed in the different regions around the country. Each vessel he said is estimated to cost about P100 million.

He said the bidding is underway and they expect first delivery by the last quarter of 2015.

Carino emphasized that having such equipment could improve the monitoring of activities at sea on crimes and other illegal activities that may cause destruction on Davao’s marine resources.

He said they provided aluminum boats to their detachments in areas most frequented by visitors to immediately respond to emergency.

An improved logistics and the continued training of their men in handling sea operations are important particularly this summer when people flock to the island beaches, he said.

Meanwhile, Carino reported their Oplan Ligtas Biyahe Semana Santa was a success in terms of ensuring safety of sea travelers. He said they recorded a total of 132,632 passengers who travelled from Davao City to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) and back from March 27 to April 5 while travelers from IGACOS to Davao City registered to about 78,238 for the same period.

April 2 registered with highest number of travelers at 19,764 from Davao City and IGACOS of which 13,961 travelled to IGACOS from Davao City and 5,803 travelled to Davao City from IGACOS.

However, on a daily average, he said passenger traffic is recorded at 4,000 to 5,000 per day.

PCG- Southern Mindanao District Commander Commodore Joselito Dela Cruz said they will continue with the program on Ligtas Biyahe for the entire summer period and conduct monitoring activities in beaches even if Passenger Assistance Centers are already established to receive complaints and provide medical assistance to travelers.

"We need to closely monitor these beaches if only to ensure the safety of the public," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=751674