A TOTAL of 21 government operatives -- 17 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and four Port policemen -- have completed a six-week security training in Zamboanga City.

Captain Giovanni Bergantin, Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao commander, said the training, dubbed as Boarding Officers Course, culminated last Friday, December 20.

Bergantin said the graduates are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to rescue passengers aboard a beleaguered vessel and to respond to a stressful situation.

He said the training involved gun safety, handling of distress situation, marksmanship and other techniques on special reinforcement.

The skills training is imperative especially on the daily routine of his men and that of the port police, Bergantin added. (SunStar Zamboanga)