PCG-Dumaguete hits PPA ‘snub’over security activity

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard-Dumaguete City lamented over what it considered an open defiance of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Dumaguete commander in snubbing the former’s invitation for him to be present during the security “mastering” activity yesterday afternoon.

The mastering activity was supposed to be participated in by PPA and private security guards assigned inside the port, in line with the order of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on June 16 designating the PCG as the lead agency in port security.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Donna Liza Ramacho, PCG-Dumaguete commander, her personnel and the private security guards manning the passenger terminal building waited for the PPA commander Valenzuela to arrive—from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.—but only six of the blue guards along with a member of the port police came.

Earlier in the morning, during the briefing, PPA officer-in-charge Ponciano Ligutom told the media PPA adheres to the DOTr order, and will support the PCG in maintaining the safety and security of the port.

However, Valenzuela’s absence was contrary to this, as he instead met with the security guards in front of the PPA office and sent only six blue guards to the mastering activity initiated by the PCG.

During the mastering, Ramacho made it clear to the security guards the protocol to follow with regards to port security. She asked them for a list of the security guards, to submit their respective bio-data, and documents for their firearms, among others.

It was noticed during the formation that some of their issued firearms were rusty, and Ramacho saw the need for proper holstering including a refresher course on gun safety and physical fitness tests.

Meanwhile, Ramacho declared that the joint task forces have always been ready anytime even before the Marawi incident erupted, but she said “super vigilance” is required from all the stakeholders, to prevent and deter attempts of terrorists to sneak into the Visayas area.

The PCG will always be ready to help the PPA, said Ramacho, adding that her command has four sub-stations—Bayawan, Tandayag, Larena in Siquijor and Guihulngan—manned by over 70 coast guard personnel. (FREEMAN)