ZAMBOANGA CITY – The military has started to tighten the entry of terrorists and smugglers as Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano directed the fast-tracking for the establishment of a coast watch facility in the border in southern Philippines, according to an official.
Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag, Naval Forces Western Mindanao – Combined (NFWM-C), said Yano directed to give priority to complete the construction of the coast watch building by July in Taganak island off Tawi-Tawi. Marayag said the building facility cost some P1.2-million while another P2.5-million will be allocated for the installation of radar communication equipment.
He said the establishments of the coast watch station will also be a realization of the establishment of sea lane where legitimate transport vessels and small crafts should pass in entering or moving in the southern region.
“Once the coast watch would be in operation it will ease the navy operation,” Marayag said. He said the coast watch would tighten the movement of terrorists using the southern backdoor.
“All illegal movements will be monitored because all legitimate watercrafts would only utilize the recognized sealane and those outside will be pursued by our forces,” Marayag said. – Roel Pareño