MANILA -- Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Monday called for renewed vigor in government's drive against smuggling following the commissioning of two fast patrol boats that will be used for joint operations of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The two boats, BRP Boracay (FPB 2401) and BRP Panglao (FPB 2402), are the initial installment of four vessels that PCG is set to acquire this year. The remaining two are expected to be delivered in November.
In his speech during the commissioning ceremony, Dominguez said acquisition of the vessels, which was done with the help of the French government, is part of the Philippine government’s effort to address smuggling.
He said the boats, which will be under the operational control of the BOC, will play an important role in raising needed revenues to finance the massive infrastructure program of the Duterte administration as well as other programs like social protection, health, and education.
He added that revenues lost due to smuggling is “immense”. Though he did not give any figure, he said the amount is “far more than whatever we might be investing today in improving our enforcement capabilities.”
“The cumulative amount of lost revenues from smuggling could have enabled the government to ramp up spending on infrastructure and social services much sooner than we had planned. Our economic development might have taken a much preferable course. Our people might be more prosperous than they are now,” he said.
Dominguez noted that “drugs are the most perilous” smuggled item to the Philippines since “those who bring drugs to our coasts are prepared to fight for their evil cargos.”
Thus, with the help of the new boats and the trained crews, Dominguez expressed confidence that smuggling can be credibly addressed. “I trust the professionals of the Bureau of Customs will use these assets intensively and well,” he said, citing that “we did not invest in these new vessels for them to be used sparingly.”
“The war against smuggling should be unrelenting. I am confident the men and women of the Bureau of Customs and Philippine Coast Guard will carry out their missions bravely. With these fast patrol crafts, we cannot be outrun,” he added.
For his part, PCG Commandant, Admiral Elson Hermogino, in his speech, said the tie-up between the PCG’s Maritime Law Enforcement group and the BOC is expected to bring more positive results in government's drive against smuggling.
He said the new vessels will greatly help the Coast Guard fulfill its mandate to fight illegal activities at sea. “These floating assets will be a big boost to our government’s efforts against illegal activities at sea, particularly smuggling,” he said.
“While our charts and missions may vary, we are bound by commons goal to promote economic progress and security that can be felt by our fellow Filipinos,” he added. (PNA)
