In a bid to strengthen the waterborne patrols in the harbor areas, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday sought stronger partnership with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the shipping industry.

After the Coast Guard’s series of apprehensions of explosives items in three separate incidents in just one month, PCG Commandant Wilfredo Tamayo, taking guidance from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC), on Thursday directed all Coast Guard Unit Commanders in the field to seek closer and effective cooperation and collaboration with local port authorities, ship owners and operators in intensifying security measures in ports and harbors.

In response, the PCG has directed all its units to increase visibility, enhance information sharing, step up the conduct of search and inspection by composite teams of Sea Marshals, K-9 units and Boarding Teams and strengthen partnership with port authorities, shipping and other stakeholders in the maritime community.

Last week, combined elements of Coast Guard, Surigao City Police and local port police confiscated more or less 32 sacks of 50 millimeter Emulex Dangerous Explosives of ammonium nitrate with more or less 828 dynamite sticks and some 300 pieces of non-electric blasting caps while about to be loaded on board the MV Maharlika Cinco at Lipata Ferry Terminal, Surigao del Norte.

The explosive materials which were transported from Tandag, Surigao del Sur on board a 10-wheeler Fuso trailer truck were reportedly bound for Batangas.