PPA: 22 ports meet international security guidelines

All 22 ports under the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have fully complied with the required submission of port facility security assessment and security plan as mandated by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

In a press conference yesterday held in connection with the PPA’s 30th anniversary celebration, general manager Alfonso Cusi identified the 22 ISPS Code-compliant ports, namely: Manila International Container Port, the South Harbor and those at Surigao, Pulupandan, Cagayan de Oro, Legaspi, Puerto Princesa, Nasipit, Limay in Bataan, San Fernando in La Union, Calapan in Mindoro, Ozamis, Dumaguete, General Santos, Cotabato, Batangas, Davao, Iloilo, Tagbilaran, Iligan, Zamboanga and Tacloban.

PPA assistant general manager Benjamin Cecilio said only these 22 major ports that cater to foreign vessels are actually required to comply with the ISPS Code.

However, other domestic ports have decided to also submit security plans as these measures were in place even before the ISPS Code was adopted as an amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Cecilio explained that as early as October 2002 the Authority has been taking steps to enhance the capability of its security and law enforcement units in the port areas to respond to "emerging security challenges brought about by global terrorism and lawlessness."

ISPS compliance is a requirement of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which is the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for the safety of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships around the world.

International vessels coming from non-compliant ports may face sanctions from other IMO contracting governments such as tighter inspection and may even reject entry of these ships.

The ISPS Code details security-related requirements for governments, ports authorities and shipping companies as well as guidelines on how to meet the requirements.

The Code mandates the establishment of an international framework to detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships and port facilities used in international trade. – Nestor Etolle