Transport department orders Coast Guard control and supervision of security in seaports

June 13, 2017

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to take over control and supervision of security operations in all seaports in light of the security threat posed by the Maute  Group which has besieged Marawi City and resulted in the president’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao. Under department order No. 2017-008 issued on June 5, Tugade directed the Coast Guard,”... to take over the security supervision of ports, and shipping, whether public or private, including the egress and ingress to all waterways from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).” Tugade instructed the PCG to control movement of all vessels in seaports and harbours; designate security zones for maritime security purposes; enforce ports and ships identification system; regulate access to ports, vessels and waterfront facilities; inspect cargoes to prevent the transport of contrabands; and to set and enforce appropriate security levels in all ports in Mindanao, pursuant to the provisions of the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) Code. This allows the Coast Guard to arrest, seize and detain persons, cargo and vessels found violating maritime security and other pertinent laws and to file the necessary charges. The Coast Guard will strictly enforce maritime security communications; supervise, regulate and control port police and private security guards, K9 entities, divers and underwater operations in all maritime-related facilities and infrastructure. The order took effect after its issuance and will remain in full force until martial law in Mindanao is lifted, the transport department said. DMS