Manila Bay declared ‘no-sail zone’ for APEC

MANILA, Philippines – A “no-sail zone” in Manila Bay will be implemented during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit for security reasons, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced yesterday.

PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said PCG National Capital Region commander Commodore Joel Garcia might give next week the details about the no-sail zone, such as the schedule of implementation, extent of coverage and if it includes all types of vessels.

“I talked to Commodore Garcia and he said the security preparations are in place but there are things that still that need to be polished. He is reporting to the President and other people concerned,” Balilo said.

Garcia is also coordinating with shipping lines to help prevent delays in the operations of passenger vessels passing through Manila Bay.

The PCG, head of the Maritime Security Task Force at Manila Bay, said it would also guard vessels traversing through the Pasig River and those near the APEC venues such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine International Convention Center.

Balilo said the PCG, in partnership with the Philippine Navy and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, could muster a total of 67 floating assets. They would be accompanied by personnel of the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Immigration.

The PCG would also send contingents from its K9, anti-terrorist, ship boarding, law enforcement, medical and search and rescue units to boost maritime security.