Coast Guard breaks ground for first radar station in Bacolod

July 27, 2020

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to construct its first radar station in Negros Occidental.

Commodore Tito Alvin Andal , PCG District Southern Visayas Commander, said the groubreaking ceremony for the Bacolod radar station was held at a 500-square meter property inside Bredco Port last Saturday.

During the ceremony, Andal said "the P30-million project aims to boost the maritime surveillance capability of the region to address critical issues in the maritime domain and to counter illegal activities at sea such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing."

"The project will improve the monitoring capacity of the region, specifically in identifying vessels and other watercrafts passing the vicinity waters of up to 25 nautical miles," he said.

Once operational, the Bacolod Radar Station will be manned by personnel of the Coast Guard Weapons, Communications Electronics, and Information System Command (CGWCEISC)  trained in performing maritime security and maritime safety functions, as well as suppression and prevention of lawless violence within the maritime jurisdiction of the Northern Negros Island, Andal added.

Andal said the construction of the Bacolod Radar Station that is scheduled to be completed early 2021 is a collaborative effort of the PCG, Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, City Government of Bacolod, and the Bacolod Real Estate and Development Corporation (BREDCO)." Robina Asido/DMS