PNP to boost maritime, air patrols to protect coastline from drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will boost its airborne and seaborne operations to guard the country’s coastline from the entry of illegal drugs, as well as smuggling and kidnapping perpetuated by international criminals.

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said it upgraded its floating and flying assets for the PNP Maritime Group and the PNP Aviation Security Group to boost police operations against criminal activities in coastal waters and to be used in “disaster and emergency response operations.”

Albayalde said a total amount of P1,134,388,799 will be allotted to the upgrade of resources for sea and air assets.

The PNP Bids and Awards Committee approved the procurement of 28 units of high-speed tactical watercraft worth P336,000,000, seven of which have been delivered.

Eighteen more units of high-speed tactical watercraft will be purchased under the 2019 procurement program as additional equipment for maritime operations, police visibility in “shorelines, maritime law enforcement, and public safety operations.”

The PNP said it has also requested a fleet of watercraft, which include 107 police rubber boats, 19 coastal craft, 25 fast boats, four speed boats and ten gunboats or dauntless boats being used by 17 Regional Maritime Units, three Maritime Special Operations Units, and other police maritime stations nationwide.

The PNP will also add five more single-engine turbine and training helicopters worth P798,388,799.98 that are expected to be delivered in August 2019 to “bolster anti-terrorism operations and air support to maritime patrol operations in high seas.” /ee