Northeast Luzon Coastguard to purchase rescue equipment

By Oliver T. Baccay

Thursday 19th of July 2012

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, July 19 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) northeastern Luzon is set to purchase search and rescue equipment to effectively perform its mandate to safeguard marine environment and resources and to promote life safety in northeastern sea coast.

Regional Director Capt. Joselito dela Cruz said the agency will be purchasing rubber boats and other search and rescue equipment. The agency will also let their personnel undergo trainings to efficiently do their mandates.

He said they currently have only one rubber boat and very few rescue equipment.

When emergencies arise, coastguards seek the assistance of other agencies such as the maritime police.

He said the equipment are important in performing their duties in saving lives and in monitoring illegal activities within the marine environment of Cagayan Valley region and Aurora province.

“Our thrust is to enforce laws within our territorial waters and conduct maritime security operations and other activities that is why the equipment are really very important,” dela Cruz said.

Dela Cruz also said they will establish an office in this city which will function as the coordinating agency with other partner line government agencies and stakeholders for the safety of the people and the marine environment and resources. (OTB-PIA2)