By RUBEN VELORIA / PNA

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Port of Subic on Wednesday, May 4, launched two fast patrol boats to augment security and boost the drive against the entry of prohibited and smuggled goods and all other illicit trades.

Port of Subic District Collector Maritess T. Martin said the boats, which were designated as FPB No. 5 and FPB No. 6, are among the 20 fast patrol boats acquired by the BOC under Commissioner Rey Leonard B. Guerrero to enhance border security and law enforcement efforts in Subic Bay, as well as in the Bataan-Zambales waters.

Each fast patrol boat measures 12.7 meters and is equipped with three engines capable of a top speed of 45 knots or 83.34 kilometers per hour.

Martin said the patrol boats are relatively small naval vessels generally designed for coastal defense, border protection, immigration law enforcement, and search and rescue duties.

“For the Port of Subic, the main purpose of having these boats is to deploy them for rapid interception of smugglers to foil smuggling activities and other fraudulent activities through consistent patrolling,” she said.

The two patrol boats, Martin noted, will be used for the joint operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the BOC in suppressing smuggling activities on shores, and carrying out customs-related operations.

Martin and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Rolen C. Paulino led the inauguration and launching ceremony for the boats at the Watercraft Venture Corporation Facility here.

She cited the support extended to all undertakings of BOC inside the Freeport by SBMA.

Customs Special Captain Vincent Mark S. Malasmas, Enforcement and Security Service- Customs Police Division (ESS-CPD) district commander, likewise said the newly acquired patrol boats would enhance the capability of BOC’s intelligence and enforcement border security capability against smuggling and anti-social fraud.

“We are very grateful for these two patrol boats for the utilization in the Subic Bay for water patrol and water pursuits which are crucial in the prevention of smuggling and anti-social activities,” Malasmas said. ~