Coast guard on heightened alert vs loose firearms

As the whole country is being seized by the "election fever," the Philippine Coast Guard went on heightened alert anew as it intensified its campaign to cut the trafficking of illegal firearms. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo placed all operating units on heightened alert to monitor possible movement of loose firearms in election hotspots. "The PCG will strengthen the composite team of sea marshals deployed on passenger ships and other high interest vessels, intensify intelligence gathering and deploy additional K-9 units to board and inspect vessels to include unregistered and colorum vessels and those watercrafts or vessels not covered by PCG memorandum circular on Master’s Oath of Safe Departure (MOSD)," the Coast Guard said on its website. Also, Tamayo said PCG law enforcement teams will conduct sustained seaborne patrols in vulnerable ports, harbors and coastal and sea areas. He said this will augment the local security operations of shipping companies and coordinate with other government law enforcement agencies to thwart any attempt to transport firearms that may be used for election-related activities. Tamayo encouraged passengers to approach the members of the PCG Boarding Teams, Sea Marshals escorting vessels, and roving PCG personnel in the ports to report any information on suspected transport of firearms. — LBG/RSJ,GMANews.TV