‘Bantay Dagat’ task force launched

The launching of the TF Bantay Dagat was held at Maubuh Beach, Barangay Umangay in Patikul

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The provincial government of Sulu — together with top security officials — recently inaugurated the Task Force Bantay Dagat-Sulu which aims to protect the integrity of the territorial waters and marine environment and enforce coastal laws.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan revealed that the TF-Bantay Dagat or Sea Patrol will work with security forces in the province to protect marine environment and provide assistance in rescue operations during disasters at sea.

The launching of the TF Bantay Dagat was held at Maubuh Beach, Barangay Umangay in Patikul by the provincial government of Sulu together with the 11th Infantry on Saturday.

Among the officials present in the inauguration were from the Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos; PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr.; Philippine Coast Guard Chief Admiral Artemio Abu; Western Mindanao Command acting chief Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas; Joint Task Force Sulu/11th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio; PRO BAR regional director Police Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon; the military brigade and battalion commanders; Sulu mayors and other military officers.

Tan stressed that the TF Bantay Dagat will also monitor illegal fishing, provide assistance in rescue operations, and enforce coastal law.

“The Western Mindanao Command witnessed the unity and cooperation shown by the local government officials and the citizens of Sulu to address the peace and development issues and concerns in the province,” Rojas said.

He added that good governance greatly contributed to the gradual change of the province’s image from terrorism to tourism and stressed that the TF Bantay Dagat is an outstanding initiative to sustain peace in Sulu.