By Gabriela Baron
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) put up Command Observation Posts (COPs) on Likas Island, Lawak Island, and Parola Island on Tuesday, May 17.
PCG Commandant CG Admiral Artemio Abu said these COPs expand the maritime awareness of the PCG in the West Philippines Sea.
“Through these COPs, we improve our capabilities in promoting maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection,” Abu added.
The PCG’s Task Force Kaligtasan sa Karagatan constructed a smart house and installed radio communications on the three islands during the deployment of the largest Coast Guard contingent in the West Philippine Sea.
“The activation of these COPs complies with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade’s guidance to support the country’s maritime transportation and shipping industry by promoting maritime safety and maritime security,” Abu said.
“These COPs will optimize the strategic deployment of PCG assets by monitoring the movement of merchant ships in its surrounding waters and communicating maritime incidents to the PCG National Headquarters,” he added.
Meanwhile, National Security Council Adviser Sec. Hermogenes Esperon expressed support for the initiative, noting it would guide domestic and international ships passing the country’s waters through safe and secure sea lines of communications. – ag
