Gov't mulls equipment purchase for PCG

DAVAO CITY -- Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Thursday said the government is planning to purchase equipment for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) during the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Israel on September 2.

Go, who was guest of honor and speaker in he 33rd anniversary of Coastguard district Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) at its headquarters in Sasa Wharf here, said PCG officials will be joining the Presidential delegation to Israel to check various equipment for the agency's modernization program.

"They will check the possible equipment to help modernize the Philippine Coast Guard and kung may magustuhan bibili ang government (if they want the equipment, the government will buy)," he added.

Go said the government has over PHP3 billion budget for PCG's modernization program that includes new ships, firearms, and other equipment.

"Kararating lang ng 10 new 54-meter patrol boats from Japan. Isa ito sa pinakita nung pumunta kami ng Japan (The 10 new 54-meter patrol boats just arrived from Japan. These were presented to us when we visited Japan)," he said.

Go, however, said it is up to PCG commandant Hermogino how many will be distributed to Southeastern Mindanao.

During the event, Go was donned with the rank of Auxiliary Commodore of the Executive Squadron in the PCG. The rank is equivalent to Brigadier General in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

"I’m honored and proud to be part of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and how we can help our oceans, seas, coastline. We must take good care of it," he said.

Go also said the PCG is included in the increase of base pay for government personnel, such as those serving in the Philippine National Police, the military, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire and Protection. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)