High-speed gunboat arrives in Bolinao
BOLINAO—Local officials here welcomed the deployment of a high-speed gunboat by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group in the town’s coastal waters to strengthen their campaign against all forms of criminality in the sea.
In a simple ceremony following the arrival of the gunboat at the coastal barangay of Guiguiwanen Thursday past 5:00 p.m., Mayor Arnold Celeste said Bolinao will be greatly benefited, primarily in its campaign against illegal drugs now that lawless elements are using coastal areas to delivery illegal drugs.
The PNP Maritime gunboat approaches a fishing boat to verify its documents and contents. (Contributed)
Celeste said TV news already reported illegal drugs found floating in some areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.
He said aside from drugs, illegal fishing entry of undocumented foreign vessels can also be prevented with the presence of the gunboat.
The gunboat has two M60 and one cal. 50 heavy machine guns that will be mounted on it.
He said the campaign against illegal fishing has been a major advocacy of his brother, outgoing First District Rep. Jesus Celeste, since he was mayor of Bolinao.
“We don’t want illegal activities happening here so we are thankful with this high-speed watercraft gunboat and we assure our all-out support to the Maritime police,” Celeste said.
The Coast Guard is set to transfer its station in Guiguiwanen so the Maritime police can also temporarily occupy the office that will be vacated.
Meanwhile, P/Col. Belly Tamayo, deputy director for operation of the Maritime Police, said he is not new to Pangasinan as he is from Calasiao and his family has been visiting Bolinao for its beauty.
He said the gunboat, that can run as fast as 50 knots or 90 kilometers per hour, was brought to Bolinao to intensify the campaign against criminality especially those involving coastal waters.
Tamayo said 28 units of the gunboat arrived in the Philippines and more will be brought in the country to be deployed quickly.
Rep. Celeste, who was also in Guiguiwanen for the arrival of the high-speed gunboat, expressed confidence that it will boost peace and order in the town. (PhilStar Wire Service)
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