Coast Guard joins global fight against piracy, terrorism

Thursday, 27 January 2011 11:00

In a bid to end piracy at sea and terrorism, the Philippine Coast Guard joined in the-Anti-Piracy Task Force. US Navy Captain

Chris Chambers yesterday sought the cooperation of the Philippine Coast Guard in the global fight against piracy at sea particularly

in the Gulf of Aden and Somali basin.

Chambers, chief of staff of the 25-nation Combined Maritime Task Force said the cooperation among nations to fight piracy problem

does not rely only in personnel and military contribution.

The Combined Maritime Forces is a coalition of Navy and Coast Guard Forces from 25 countries which aims to defeat terrorism, prevent

piracy, reduce illegal trafficking of people and drugs, and promote the maritime environment as a safe place for mariners with legitimate

business.

The US Navy Captain particularly showed interest in the K-9 unit operation of the PCG and Sea Marshal. He said that PCG’s K-9 operation

may be utilized during boarding and vessel inspections in anti-piracy operations.

Capt Chambers cited the rich experience of the Philippines in dealing with piracy and other crimes committed on board vessels. He also said

that the Philippine Coast Guard is a good link to shipping industries in the country and caution them on threat of piracy.

 

According to Captain Chambers, the Task Force is currently exerting efforts to eradicate piracy in the Gulf of Aden which is located in

the Arabian Sea. Chambers also asked shipping companies to implement “Best Management Practice” manual which was

conceptualized to deter pirates.

The manual includes placing of security barrier around the ship, safe room and evasion procedures.

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ramon C. Liwag expressed PCG’s willingness to join and contribute to the task force. Liwag also thanked

Chambers for the update in the anti-piracy undertaking in the Gulf of Aden where mostly Filipino seafarers are held hostage by the pirates.

 

Source: PIA