Navy activates detachment in Sarangani Bay

KORONADAL CITY — Navy officials based in Sarangani Bay activated the naval detachment in Glan to strengthen maritime security and discourage the presence of illegal fishermen, pirates and illegal entrants.

Rear Admiral George Uy, chief of naval staff, said activating the naval post is also aimed at securing the area and to address piracy, illegal fishing, terrorism and illegal entry of foreign nationals.

Sarangani Gov. Migs Dominguez and Glan town Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. have been assisting the Navy in strengthening its ports.

The Glan detachment, which is part of the naval forces in eastern Mindanao based in Davao City, would also watch over maritime vessels passing to and from Makar Wharf in nearby General Santos City.

Uy disclosed that the naval detachment was set up in Glan because "Sarangani Bay is very strategic" and it would be manned by "special operation personnel."

Commodore Rogelio Calunsag, commander of the naval forces in Eastern Mindanao, said the naval detachment backs up the naval "coast watch station" at Tinaka Point, also in Glan, and other floating assets deployed in the area.

Calunsag said a P5-million Naval Intelligence Security Force building was opened in Tinaka point, Barangay Batubalaki to conduct a 24-hour watch over major sea routes in the province and nearby General Santos City.

The modern naval facility is equipped with sophisticated radar system and two stand-by generators. It is manned by Navy personnel and guarded by the Marines.

With the activation of the naval detachment, Uy said Sarangani and the rest of the region is now even more well-guarded.