THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has successfully installed five 30-foot-long navigational buoys carrying the Philippine flag in four critical islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The critical islands include the Lawak Island, Likas Island, Parola Island, and Pag-asa Island.
PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu led the arrival ceremony for the five Coast Guard vessels that laid out the symbols for “coastal state administration” in the vicinity waters from May 12 to 14.
The vessels that were deployed to install the symbols were the BRP Corregidor (AE-891), BRP Bojeador (AE-56), BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), BRP Capones (MRRV-4407), and Tug Boat Habagat (TB-271).
"I know it was not an easy task, but the support of Task Force Kaligtasan sa Karagatan headed by CG Rear Admiral Joseph Coyme, Coast Guard Fleet commander CG Rear Admiral Charlie Rances, and PCG District Palawan Commander CG Commodore Rommel Supangan as ground commander led to the resounding success of installing our sovereign markers that are now flashing lights at night to guide sailors as they traverse the treacherous waters of the WPS," Abu said.
He said the buoys will also inform mariners and fishermen that the vicinity waters are considered special protected zones. Hence, mining and oil exploration are prohibited to preserve their rich natural resources.
"These buoys are now our source of pride and honor in serving our great nation. And because our fellow Coast Guardians braved numerous dangers during the said noble mission, they were able to bring the PCG to the next level of success," Abu said.
He added that the PCG will place more navigational buoys in other parts of the country's exclusive economic zone, especially in the WPS and Benham Rise.
The five newly installed buoys were part of the 10 floating markers procured in Spain.
These buoys, which arrived in Cebu from Valencia, Spain, on May 7, 2022, are equipped with modern marine aids to navigation lanterns and specialized mooring systems.
They also have a remote monitoring system that uses satellite technology to transmit data to the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila. (PR/LMY)