Four US gunboats for border patrol

The Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-Maritime) has welcomed the turn over of four new patrol gun boats from the United States government to the command as a big boost to the country’s maritime security.

PNP-Maritime Group director Chief Supt. Francisco Don Montenegro noted that the four Police Patrol Boats (PPB) will be the first patrol vessels to be detailed to the Maritime Group.

He said Maritime Group personnel are now undergoing training to handle the new acquisitions.

Aside from the PNP-Maritime, the elite Special Action Force (SAF) is the other specialized PNP unit which has gunboats. The SAF is operating five patrol vessels.

The US donated four gunboats to the Philippines to boost government efforts to secure the country’s southern borders.

US Ambassasor Harry K. Thomas Jr. turned over the our 31-footer rigid-hull bouyant boats to the national police force at a ceremony in Puerto Princesa City. DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, PNP Chief Gen. Jesus Versoza, PUerto Princesa City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn were among those who graced the ceremonies.

Thomas expressed hope that the vessels would help strengthen the maritime police’s capability in patrolling the Philippines’ borders with Indonesia and Malaysia.

The gunboats, which cost P18-M pesos each, are fully equipped with navigation, communication and weapons systems. National police chief Jesus Versoza said the gunboats would be deployed with the maritime police unit that protects the country’s borders.

Versoza said the unit would be working closely with counterparts from Malaysia and Indonesia.

The PNP\'s acquisition of the four PPBs is part of the technical assistance package provided by the US government to the PNP through the US International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP).

The PPBs, manufactured by NAIAD of Rhode Island, USA is powered by twin 250HP engines that can reach speeds up to 51 knots, and is fully equipped with navigation, communication and weapons systems.

The ICITAP has provided the technical assistance and logistics for establishment of the Special Boat Unit (SBU) of the PNP Maritime Group stationed in Puerto Princesa City.

Last year, the PNP inaugurated the headquarters and boathouse of the SBU in Palawan, constructed in a 2,000-square-meter lot donated by the city government of Puerto Princesa City and funded by an ICITAP grant.

City Information Office / C. Catimpo