Coast Guard stepping up sea patrols in Boracay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is beefing up its security measures to thwart any terrorist attack in Boracay Island, said Lt. Commander Eric Ferrancullo.

PHOTO BOY RYAN ZABAL

Authorities also conduct joint regular seaborne patrols to keep armed groups from sneaking in Boracay Island and adjoining areas through sea route.

Ferrancullo said the intensified sea patrolling and deployment of assets will safeguard the maritime interests of Boracay Island. 

Aside from Boracay, the Maritime Joint Task Force-Boracay “Area Shield” is also tightly monitoring the  coastal communities in Malay mainland and their surrounding waters. 

“Tayo ay nakikipagtulungan sa Philippine Navy, police and Philippine Army for corroborative efforts to ensure peace and security in the island,” he added. 

Coast Guard personnel are also on standby 24/7 in Caticlan and Cagban ports as well as Tabon and Tambisaan areas during habagat season for safety and security of passengers.

Ferrancullo urged the public to alert PCG and the police of the presence of individuals on board of any suspicious motorized bancas in their areas. 

“Pag nag-pumilit na pumasok ang mga bancas, i-report agad sa ating kapulisan at sa Coast Guard sa Caticlan at Boracay,” he stressed.

Security measures in the ports, he added, were discussed with motorboat owners, cargo operators and shipping companies during the coordination meetings. 

Last week, the Philippine Coast Guard had ordered its stations and districts to impound boats for failure to comply with Safety, Security and Environmental Numbering System. 

The agency also took over the security supervision of public and private ports and shipping from the Maritime Industry Authority and the Philippine Port Authority as part of state security preparations against a number of armed groups.  

Meanwhile, the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) is implementing target-hardening measures as part of pro-active response against terror threats in the island. 

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.