PCG eyeing drones to boost maritime security

MANILA, Philippines — To boost maritime security, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is eyeing to procure drones for its operations.

PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said yesterday drones – such as those being used by their counterparts from the US – would be a big help in guarding the country’s territorial waters at a cheaper cost.

Balilo said they have seen the high-tech drones used by the US during their trilateral maritime exercises held with Japan.

“Theirs are large, operate for a long time and can go long distances,” he said in Filipino during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant and Bar.

Balilo said at least two countries have already offered them drones, and some of their personnel have started training in the operation of unmanned aircraft vehicle systems.

The ideal scenario, according to Balilo, is that each of their 15 districts nationwide would have at least one drone.

They also would prefer drones which can monitor areas of about 50 nautical miles.