WV’s Coast Guard heightens port security vs illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard-Western Visayas has intensified its pre-departure inspections amid reports that roll on-roll off vessels and passenger ships have been used to transport illegal drugs.

Dominador Senador III, PCG-WV public information officer, said the frequency of PDIs will be increased to ensure maritime safety and security, but more on intercepting contrabands, particularly shabu. "We have been doing PDIs since but we would be keener now because of the reported illegal activities," he said.

Senador attributed the report to information relayed to them by local government units and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. As such, the PCG-WV will be using its K9 dogs to check on explosives and narcotics that may be loaded in the ships in RORO ports.

Personnel of the five PCG stations and 22 sub-stations in the region were also told to conduct mandatory boarding and inspection of all vessels departing from the seaports to ensure that only seaworthy vessels can sail, added Senador. —(FREEMAN)