Coast Guard personnel to train vs WMDs

MANILA, Philippines - Selected Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel will undergo a 10-day training in preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) starting tomorrow, officials said yesterday.

PCG commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said the Export Control and Related Border Security Program (EXBS), which will be conducted by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), is to help prevent the proliferation of WMDs, their missile delivery system, conventional weapons, and related items by assisting foreign governments to establish and implement effective export control system that meet international standards.

The course would support the agency’s aim to prioritize maritime security in the country, he added.

In a statement, PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said this is the third time that USCG would hold a joint course with PCG personnel.

Balilo clarified that the training was “part of the US global fight against (WMDs), that is their goal. This is an anti-terrorism (program). This is part of the normal training given by the US to its friends or allies.”