AFP, Coast Guard forge pact on peace, security

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Force (AFP-JTF) Storm and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG0 have strengthened their collaboration to enhance the peace and security in Eastern Visayas.

Major General Edgardo De Leon, JTF-Storm commander, acknowledged the “important role of PCG in maritime law enforcement in the region specifically in the registration and monitoring of watercraft to prevent and deter crimes.”

During his meeting with Coast Guard Commodore Marco Antonio Gines at their district office at Ormoc City on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, De Leon talked about the “inclusion of PCG to the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center to enhance coordination and interoperability among law enforcement agencies.”

“The PCG of Eastern Visayas will continue to perform our mandate on Maritime Law Enforcement programs such as the free registration of motorized bancas and the conduct of information and education campaign to increase awareness on maritime environmental protection and enforcement,” said Gines.

According to the officials, joint training will also be conducted “to enhance the capabilities of both agencies.”

“We may recall that recently, members of the New People’s Army terrorists belonging to Guerilla Front Damol surrendered and then turned-in unregistered motorized banca which they used as their primary mode of transporting war materials in the coastal towns of the province,” De Leon said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Gines said the PCG “will actively participate in the programs and projects.”

These activities also include the conduct of Serbisyo Caravan, particularly the registration and marking of watercraft for free. (SunStar Philippines)