Port security exercise a success

CEBU, Philippines - The Port Level Joint Security exercise done yesterday in two different venues was successful, according to Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

The exercise, which was funded by the Australian government, was done in two stages. The land-based scenario was carried out in the Cebu Port Authority terminal while the sea-based scenario was done near the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.

The land-based scena-rio simulated a bomb explosion and agencies like the Bureau of Fire Protection, Special Weapons and Tactics team and the Department of Health showed how they would respond to such attacks.

Capt. Michael Duquez of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team of the Central Command explained that in instances like those, securing the area always comes first.

Duquez explained that though there are people injured in the explosion, responding teams should follow a process. 

The sea-based scenario simulated terrorists on board a motorboat on their way to attack the Petron office.

Responding teams of the Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and the Philippine National Police responded and caught the terrorists.

Mendoza clarified that this drill was not meant to scare the public because there are no terrorist threats here, but rather to test if the safety measures in the ports are in place.

He said this should be done periodically as it is one of the vital concerns in port operations.

Mendoza said he was contented to see that four years of training and cooperation among agencies of government in our country has proven that they are ready to ensure the security of transportation infrastructure.

Mendoza also thanked the Australian government for their funding.

 “We have gained a lot of experience and skills during the trainings and would not be possible without the help of the Australian government,” he said.

Australian Ambassador Rod Smith said that the exercise served as the culminating activity of the Philippines-Australia port Security Capacity Building Project managed by the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

The project, which started in 2004, gave the Philippines the chance to meet with requirements needed for the implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

This requires countries to take preventive measures against security incidents that may affect international shipping.

Australia is the Philippines’ second largest counter-terrorism and defense cooperation partner and the second largest grant aid donor. — AJ de la Torre/BRP(THE FREEMAN)