Coast Guard ready for new challenges

MANILA, Philippines - The modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will ensure that tension will not escalate in the West Philippine Sea and its personnel can deal with new challenges, President Aquino said yesterday.

Aquino said the PCG is 113 years old “and with the passing of time, the nature of the challenges they face has changed as well” because of climate change and new developments in the West Philippine Sea.

“Typhoons are stronger and more frequent. We also know about the complicated situation in the western portion of our country. And while the incidents in our seas change, our ways to meet these challenges must change as well,” Aquino said during the 113th anniversary celebration of the PCG.

He said the ability of the PCG could be proven during these hard times but it is also important to coordinate with other agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources so that as much as possible, no incident will escape from them that might raise tension in the West Philippine Sea.

The President added that the government would also match the dedication and determination being shown by its personnel with ample support.

He cited as an example of the administration’s initiative the procurement of 40 rubber boats and 300 aluminum boats that could be used to patrol the seas and for more effective search and rescue operations.

The Department of Transportation and Communications also completed the purchase of 40-meter multi-role response vessels from Japan.

One of the vessels will arrive in October 2015, the next two will arrive in March 2016 and two others will come in September of 2016.

By April 2017, three more vessels will arrive while the last two will arrive in October 2017.

Aquino said with Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya’s efforts, he would not be surprised if the 10 vessels will be delivered early, being part of the country’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project.

Dog awarded for service

The President also awarded a Labrador named Bosh during the PCG’s 113th anniversary celebration for finding four cadavers in the aftermath of the earthquake in Bohol last year.

Bosh is the recipient of the PCG Search and Rescue Medal and Ribbon for being instrumental in recovering the cadavers, including the bodies of a mother and a child who were buried two feet beneath the rubble.

Bosh also found 14 cadavers in Compostela Valley after Typhoon Sendong.

Aquino gave the plaque of recognition to Bosh’s trainer, Petty Officer Zandro Fred Jizmundo.

“Bosh was trained for search and retrieval operations specializing on cadaver retrievalon how to detect human blood and flesh and even through stages of human blood,” Jizmundo said. – With Evelyn Macairan