Conclusion
PHILIPPINE Coast Guard Spokesman Armand A. Balilio said his group has set up several measures to improve sea safety in the Philippines. “We have been implementing sea-safety standards ever since. Sea-safety measures are already in place,” he said.
For instance, the Coast Guard has implemented the Environmental, Security and Safety Numbering (ESSN) System, which is a scheme of assigning unique numbers for every vessel, specifically small boats, to facilitate identification to discourage or deter the use of watercraft in the conduct of illegal maritime activities.
Boats without this security numbering system become suspects for apprehension.
The Coast Guard also regularly practices sea marshaling or escorting. This involves the deployment of teams onboard passenger vessels who will act as security and deterrent force while vessels are under way.
“The sea marshall onboard serves as eye and ears for us to know what happens to vessel,” Balilio explained.
It has also started regulating maritime communications to prevent the utilization of communications electronics equipment by unauthorized groups or even terrorists.
“We also have Coast Guard personnel in all ports to assure that vessels are not overloaded with passengers or cargoes,” Balilio said.
But the Coast Guard also needs to beef up its capacity to ensure the safety and security of vessels traversing the Philippine waters.
According to the transportation department, it plans to develop the capability of Philippine ports and the Coast Guard by acquiring a set of equipment, and setting up training programs. One of the plans is to acquire at least 20 fast patrol crafts to provide the Coast Guard with capability of day and night patrol in order to enhance maritime security in the country.
Another 24 fast patrol craft and an 82-meter offshore patrol vessel are being mulled for acquisition, too. These aim to enhance the Coast Guard’s response capability, particularly during search and rescue operation, rescue and salvage work, environmental protection, enforcement of applicable maritime laws, transport of goods and persons in times of calamities and disasters and support in the socioeconomic development of national and local government units.
It has also requested for two helicopters for maritime security monitoring, and disaster response.
“But we also ask for the vigilance of the people traveling through the seas,” Balilio added. Maria Rona Legatub, who travels by sea to her home town in Catbalogan, is convinced that she will continue on riding the ferry until she is more capable of going to Samar by plane.
“For now, I will ride the ferry. It’s much cheaper. It’s also very safe, at least on my experience,” she said.
Image credits: Stephanie Tumampos