Modernization of PNP Maritime Group starts

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started a full-blown modernization of its maritime unit to strengthen the monitoring and patrol of shorelines amid the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country through the open seas.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said among the modernization steps is to procure as many motorized patrol boats and recruitment and training of more personnel for maritime operations.

“We are modernizing our Maritime Group. We have procurement last year and there will be a portion of our 2019 budget that will be allocated for the capability enhancement,” said Albayalde.

Recently, almost ₱2 billion worth of shabu were seized in a raid on the warehouse in Cavite. It also resulted in the death of two foreigners.

Based on the initial investigation, the more than 200 kilos of shabu seized had just been fetched from the high seas and sneaked into a warehouse in Cavite for repacking and distribution.

Chief Supt. Rodelio Jocson, director of the PNP Maritime Group, said 28 gunboats have been procured last year, seven of them have already been delivered while the remaining 21 are expected to be turned over to them this year.

“We will also buy 18 more gunboats this year. So these new assets are really a very significant improvement on our capability,” Jocson said.

Aside from brand new patrol gunboats, Jocson said several drones will also be delivered to the Maritime Group.

The drones, he said, will complement the patrol and other operations of Maritime Group personnel on board the gunboats.

“The procurement of drones comes with the construction of drone centers and training of drone pilots,” said Jocson.

Despite the procurement, Jocson admitted that guarding the country’s coastlines remain a big challenge.