Marines show off skills

 Tristan Ray I. Besa
The Palawan Times

Showing their competence in disaster response operations and in maritime resources protection, the Western Command (WESCOM) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Maritime Group conducted last November 11 a joint capability demonstration activity at the Baywalk Park in Puerto Princesa City. Marine soldiers and members of the PNP-maritime group deftly maneuvered rubber boats along the bay while chasing each other as civilian spectators gathered along the breakwater to watch the demonstration. WESCOM Commander Major General Juancho M. Sabban said the activity aims to show the public that “even with our limited resources and equipments, we are working hard to protect our seas” and at the same time assure them that the men who are tasked to protect our maritime areas from violations are well-trained and adeptly capable of carrying out their mandates. Sabban shared that marine troops will be deployed in Balabac, the West Coast and areas along the northern part of the province of Palawan to protect the Philippine waters in these areas from poachers, human traffickers, smugglers, terrorists and other kinds of maritime law violators. Basic facilities for maritime protection in these areas are already being established, he added.