US Ambassador Thomas to turn-over 4 new patrol boats to the Philippine government

Keeping illegal fishers at bay

FOUR new patrol gun boats complement the expanding force tasked to keep illegal activities off Puerto Princesa City’s waters.

With this, raw power of four PGBs would be Puerto Princesa City’s newest ace in its attempt to keep poachers at bay. The four new boats complement the existing marine floating assets of Puerto Princesa City’s award winning Bantay Dagat, with the turn-over and blessing of these PGBs to the PNP-MG Special Boat Unit which is a joint project of the United States and the Philippines.

Slated on August 16, 2010 at the PNP-SBU Headquarters in Barangay Sta. Lourdes, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. are expected to lead the turn-over ceremonies.

According to PNP-MG SBU chief Police Superintendent Greg Rico Togonon, the boats also contain an assortment of paraphernalia including a Global Positioning System (GPS) to pinpoint the exact location of apprehension, emergency and navigational lights, life vests, bull horns and is equipped with a makeshift restroom and cooking nook.

The engine would be one, which gives poachers a good run for their money, because in this kind of boat, it could go several knots, the marine police said.

Set for immediate deployment in the hot seas of Sulu and the equally sizzling commercial fishing poaching areas of Tawi-Tawi, Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn said the new boats allow the law enforcers new and vigorous drive on its campaign for illegal fishing and other criminal activities.

City Information Department / C. Catimpo