PH Coast Guard intensifies presence in Tawi-Tawi

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has vowed to intensify its presence in Tawi-Tawi not only to provide maritime security but also to give humanitarian assistance to its residents. “We will intensify our presence here. We will deploy additional personnel and equipment as we go on. We will ensure the PCG’s 24/7 presence to guard not only Sibutu Passage, but the southernmost part of the country,” said Adm. George Ursabia, commandant of the PCG, on Monday following the culmination of the agency’s weeklong antipiracy and antiterrorism training. In previous years, a series of piracy and kidnapping incidents have transpired in Sibutu Passage, one of the most vital international sea lanes.

—Tina G. Santos