THE Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Subic launched on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, two fast patrol boats to augment the promotion of security of country’s borders from the entry of prohibited, smuggled goods and all other illicit trades.
Port of Subic District Collector Maritess Martin and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Rolen C. Paulino led the inauguration and launching ceremony for the boats held at the Watercraft Venture Corporation Facility here.
Martin said the boats, which were named FPB No. 5 and FPB No. 6, were part of the 20 BoC-acquired fast patrol boats by Commissioner Rey Leonard B. Guerrero to enhance the border security and law enforcement efforts on the historic waters of Subic Bay, as well as that of the Bataan-Zambales waters.
Each of the fast patrol boats measures 12.7 meters and equipped with three engines capable of top speed of 45 knots (83.34 KPH).
Martin said the patrol boats are relatively small naval vessels generally designed for coastal defense, boarder protection, immigration law-enforcement, and search and rescue duties.
“For the Port of Subic, the main purpose of having these boats is to deploy them for rapid interception of smugglers to foil smuggling activities and other fraudulent activities through consistent patrolling,” Martin said.
He said that the two patrol boats will be used for the joint operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the BOC in suppressing smuggling activities in shores, and to carry out customs-related operations.
Martin noted the support extended to all undertakings by Bureau of Customs inside the Freeport by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Rolen Paulino.
Meanwhile, Customs SP/Captain Vincent Mark S. Malasmas, District Commander, ESS-CPD, said the newly acquired patrol boats would enhance the capability of BoC’s intelligence and enforcement border security capability against smuggling and anti-social faud.
“We are very grateful for these two patrol boats for the utilization in the Subic Bay for water patrol and water pursuits which are crucial in the prevention of smuggling and anti-social activities,” Malasmas said.