Subic Freeport border patrol beefed up

The two fast patrol boats will be used for the joint operations of the Philippine Coast Guard and the BoC Port of Subic in suppressing smuggling activities in the area’s shores

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Bureau of Customs (BoC) Port of Subic announced that it has strengthened its maritime security capabilities here by acquiring two new water patrol boats from the head office.

Port of Subic district collector Atty. Maritess Martin disclosed that the new 12.7-meter patrol boats are capable of reaching speeds of over 45 knots and will be used by the BoC in boarding formalities, patrol and water pursuit within the nation’s borders.

She added that the boats are built to complete demanding missions with absolute reliability as the main purpose of having them is for rapid interception of smugglers and foil smuggling activities and other fraudulent activities through consistent patrolling.

The two fast patrol boats will be used for the joint operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the BoC Port of Subic in suppressing smuggling activities in the area’s shores and to carry out Customs-related operations.

The official expressed her gratitude to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairperson and administrator Rolen Paulino for supporting the agency’s undertakings in this premier Freeport.

“The Port of Subic is just so excited and privileged to be given the opportunity to continue our service, not only through the collection of lawful revenue, but also by patrolling our waters thus prevent smuggling,” Martin said.

Paulino, meantime, lauded the efforts of BoC Port of Subic for protecting the waters of this premier Freeport, citing that the SBMA will provide full support in the agency’s endeavor in preventing smuggling.

The inauguration of those two patrol boats was also graced by BoC Water Patrol Division SP Maj. Danielo Gonzales, and ESS-CPD District Commander S/P Capt. Vincent Mark Malasmas.