SUBIC Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño has signed an agreement to establish the Inter-agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response (IATF-MIER).
This landmark agreement brings together representatives from key agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BoC), Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG), and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).
The IATF-MIER aims to streamline procedures and action plans to ensure an effective and coordinated response to maritime emergencies.
The collaboration underscores the commitment of these agencies to enhance maritime safety and disaster preparedness in Philippine waters, particularly in and around Subic Bay.
Chairman Aliño emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that a unified approach to emergency response is critical in safeguarding lives, protecting marine resources, and maintaining economic stability in the region.
The agreement outlines specific roles and responsibilities for each agency, focusing on rapid response, resource sharing, and data-driven decision-making during incidents.
The signing ceremony marks a significant step toward strengthening maritime governance in the Philippines, with stakeholders expressing optimism about the task force’s potential to address complex challenges in the maritime sector.