EDITORIAL - Guardian of the coasts

In an archipelago of 7,100 islands, with one of the world’s most extensive coastlines, the Coast Guard plays a crucial role. It assists the military in protecting Philippine maritime territory from poachers and other intruders, smugglers and other criminals.

The Coast Guard also helps enforce environmental laws, preventing destructive forms of fishing and protecting marine life. During natural calamities, the Coast Guard is among the first to launch rescue and relief operations.

Like the Armed Forces of the Philippines, however, the Philippine Coast Guard is one of the weakest in the region. The lack of PCG resources to carry out its numerous tasks contributes to the persistence of problems including smuggling, poaching and destruction of coral reefs. With better Coast Guard and Navy resources, the nation can prevent intrusions into its 200-mile exclusive economic zone particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

The government has been embarking on an upgrade of the Coast Guard, which is a cause for celebration as the PCG marks its 113th anniversary. The upgrade, however, is still modest, and heavily dependent on foreign governments for big-ticket equipment. An example is the acquisition of 10 multi-role response vessels from Japan as part of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project.

The first of the 40-meter vessels will arrive in October next year. Four more are expected in March and September 2016. Three are scheduled for delivery in April 2017 and the final two in September of the same year. The response vessels will be welcome additions to the modest PCG fleet plus the rubber and aluminum boats used for rescue operations during floods.

Apart from additional vessels, the PCG needs more personnel. Like the military, the Coast Guard must have minimum credible capability to carry out its tasks, including protection of the nation’s territorial integrity. The PCG must be given sufficient means to effectively carry out its mandate.