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BOC Port of Batangas launches 2 fast patrol boats
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The fast patrol boats launched on May 24 are to be used in enforcement activities
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7 meters long and 5.4 meters wide, the vessels are are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 40 knots or 74.08 kilometers per hour
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The patrol boats are part of 20 units the BOC earlier acquired
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Batangas launched on May 24 two fast patrol boats for use in enforcement activities.
The boats are 12.7 meters long and 5.4 meters wide and are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 40 knots or 74.08 kilometers per hour. They are also equipped with 3-turbo charged engines, global positioning systems, and Radar GARMIN (USA) VHF marine radios.
These vessels are part of 20 units BOC earlier acquired to be used in boarding formalities, patrol, and water pursuits within the nation’s borders.
The collection districts of Limay, Subic, Cebu, and Davao earlier welcomed their own fast patrol boats, with Limay, Subic, and Davao launching two each, and Cebu three.
Part of BOC’s 10-point priority program in 2021 was to reactivate its Water Patrol Division, deploy additional personnel to conduct border patrol, and procure water patrol boats and surveillance equipment and other gadgets.
Among the agency’s priorities was to strengthen port surveillance and water patrol capability by increasing police manpower, conducting a series of marine interdiction for capacity building, and providing modern equipment to ensure stronger border control capabilities as well as prevent the entry of illegal commodities and anti-social goods.
In September 2020, BOC and the Philippine Coast Guard signed a memorandum of agreement to intensify joint efforts to foil smuggling activities on the country’s waters. Under the MOA, PCG committed to train customs personnel on the operation and manning of patrol boats and committed to provide manpower that will operate the 20 fast boats.
