Heightened maritime security sought

MANILA, Philippines -  The government should intensify maritime security to prevent pirate attacks, the National Maritime Safety and Security Agency (NAMSSA) said yesterday. 

Capt. Jesser Cordova, NAMSSA director general, said the hijacking of a tugboat and kidnapping of its captain and chief engineer in the waters off Sibago Island in Basilan last week could have been prevented if a maritime security plan in vessels and port facilities is in place.

Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits released the tugboat officers after less than a week in captivity amid relentless pursuit operations by the military.

“There is a loophole in the implementation of a security plan,” Cordova said. 

He pushed for the implementation of Executive Order 311 issued by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and EO 197 by former president Benigno Aquino III.

The EOs provide for the implementation of the International Maritime Organization-International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and security program for sea transport and maritime infrastructure as well as measures to enhance maritime security in  keeping with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and the 1974 International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea, of which the Philippines is a signatory.