FAST PATROL BOATS. Fr. Rayman Catindig, Bureau of Customs-Port of Subic district collector Maritess Martin, and SBMA chairman Rolen Paulino (left to right) pose for a photo opportunity during the inauguration and launching of two newly-acquired fast patrol boats at the Watercraft Venture Corporation in Subic Freeport on Wednesday (May 4, 2022). The patrol boats are relatively small naval vessels generally designed for coastal defense, border protection, immigration law enforcement, and search and rescue duties. (Photo by Ruben Veloria)
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) - Port of Subic launched on Wednesday two fast patrol boats to augment the promotion of security of the country’s borders from the entry of prohibited, smuggled goods and all other illicit trades.
Port of Subic District Collector Maritess T. Martin and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Rolen C. Paulino led the inauguration and launching ceremony for the boats held at the Watercraft Venture Corporation Facility here.
Martin, in an interview, said the boats, which were named FPB No. 5 and FPB No. 6, are part of the 20 fast patrol boats acquired by the BOC under Commissioner Rey Leonard B. Guerrero to enhance border security and law enforcement efforts on the historic waters of Subic Bay, as well as that of the Bataan-Zambales waters.
Each fast patrol boat measures 12.7 meters and is equipped with three engines capable of a top speed of 45 knots or 83.34 kilometers per hour.
Martin said the patrol boats are relatively small naval vessels generally designed for coastal defense, border protection, immigration law enforcement, and search and rescue duties.
“For the Port of Subic, the main purpose of having these boats is to deploy them for rapid interception of smugglers to foil smuggling activities and other fraudulent activities through consistent patrolling,” she said.
The two patrol boats, Martin noted, will be used for the joint operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the BOC in suppressing smuggling activities on shores, and carrying out customs-related operations.
She cited the support extended to all undertakings of BOC inside the Freeport by SBMA.
Customs Special Captain Vincent Mark S. Malasmas, Enforcement and Security Service- Customs Police Division (ESS-CPD) district commander, likewise said the newly acquired patrol boats would enhance the capability of BOC’s intelligence and enforcement border security capability against smuggling and anti-social fraud.
“We are very grateful for these two patrol boats for the utilization in the Subic Bay for water patrol and water pursuits which are crucial in the prevention of smuggling and anti-social activities,” Malasmas said. (PNA)
