The country’s top cop said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to assist the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in their maritime patrols on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar confirmed that the police has been tapped by the government to boost maritime law enforcement patrols in the resource-rich region.
“The PNP, specifically the Maritime Group, is ready to provide assistance and augment personnel from the PCG and BFAR in enforcing maritime laws on the West Philippine Sea and our Exclusive Economic Zone,” PGen. Eleazar said.
“Despite our limitations when it comes to resources, we will make sure that it will not discourage and prevent us from asserting and fighting for what is ours,” he added.
PGen. Eleazar said he believes the presence of more Filipinos on the WPS sends a message that the Philippines strongly asserts its sovereignty and rights.
“Malaki na po ang magagawa ng sama-sama nating presensya. Maganda po na mas maraming awtoridad ang nandoon para maipakita natin na nagkakaisa tayo at pinaglalaban ang ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea,” he said.
PGen. Eleazar said the PNP continues to consult with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, the PCG and BFAR to determine the PNP-MG’s (Philippine National Police-Maritime Group) specific role and participation in maritime patrols.
“Patuloy po ang koordinasyon natin sa mga ahensyang ito dahil sila ang mas nakakaalam ng sitwasyon sa West Philippine Sea,” PGen. Eleazar said.
(Photo credit: PNP-PIO)