PH Coast Guard personnel finishes training to beef-up maritime law enforcement

Philippine Coast Guard personnel training side-by-side with U.S. Coast Guard personnel. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy Philippines)

PASIG CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel has completed a training series to strengthen the maritime law enforcement in the country.

 The capability training, facilitated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), began in March, aims to strengthen the enforcement capabilities of PCG personnel to implement laws on fisheries (and poaching), immigration, tariff and customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, human trafficking, dangerous drugs and controlled chemicals, and to implement the revised penal code and all other applicable laws within the country’s maritime jurisdiction and battle transnational crimes.

According to the U.S. Embassy Philippines, the training series include a two-week Boarding Officer Course, a two-week Outboard Motor Maintenance training, and a four-week Small Boat Operations event, all of which focused on developing the capability of prospective PCG instructors who can plan and conduct similar courses in the future.

The courses were held at the U.S.-funded Outboard Motor Center of Excellence in Balagtas, Bulacan and at the Coast Guard Surface Support Force Headquarters at Pier 13 of the Manila Port Area. The primary PCG participants came from the Surface Support Force and Special Operations Force.

These events showcased the enduring bilateral efforts to enhance PCG’s operational capability and strengthen the USCG-PCG partnership.

It also highlighted PCG’s ability to continue critical training activities while maintaining operational priorities and COVID-19 response commitments.

Meanwhile, the training series will be followed by an advanced instructional training later in 2021.

To recall, the PCG is authorized to board and inspect all watercrafts suspected to be involved in or used in illegal trade.

PCG personnel, on the other hand, are also deemed agents of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and INTERPOL in the performance of its maritime law enforcement function. (PIA NCR)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)