CAMIGUIN (PIA) — Working on public safety and order by reducing illegal activities that contribute to broader criminal networks, Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo cited concerns discussed in the recent National Peace and Order Council meeting, including the presence of Chinese nationals in the province and disinformation on the West Philippine Sea.
He also proposed the creation of a resolution to express appreciation and commendation for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and law enforcers operating in the area, as well as to condemn the illegal acts of the Chinese community.
Romualdo noted the presence of Chinese nationals in the province, saying, “Mag-exercise lang ang mga local chief executives, mga LGUs, og diligence nga i-check gyud kung tinuod ba gyud na sila nga mga investors ug dili gabuhat og lain nga mga activities ug lain nga mga tuyo sa ilang pag-anha sa lugar.”
(The local chief executives, or LGUs, should only exercise diligence to check if these Chinese nationals are truly investors and do not engage in other activities or have other intentions when they come to the area.)
He added that the authorities in Camiguin have observed an increase in Chinese visitors over the past months, as indicated by their QR scanning system. In June alone, a total of 31 Chinese nationals entered Camiguin.
Safeguarding the seas
To deter the smuggling and distribution of illegal items, which undermine lawful commerce and government revenue, the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Camiguin, through CGSS Guinsiliban, apprehended a wing van truck containing illegal cigarettes.
In a joint operation with the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Guinsiliban and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRM)-Camiguin, seven boxes, each with 50 reams, valued at approximately P350,000, were confiscated, violating multiple laws, including the Tax Reform Law of 1997 and the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
“CGS Camiguin, together with its sub-station, conducted a total of 11 seaborne patrols with a total area of 45 nautical miles. This is done to deter illegal activities and intensify visibility within the area of responsibility and to render maritime security likewise to strictly implement Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-159, an ordinance prohibiting pump boat operators to carry inbound and outbound passengers in the Province of Camiguin,” said Engr. Jay-R Bryant Peniones of CGS Camiguin.
He added that CGS Camiguin, along with its sub-stations, has significantly ramped up its maritime security and law enforcement activities to deter illegal activities and ensure the safety of the province’s waters.
Their personnel also conducted 145 coastal security patrols along Camiguin’s shorelines, working in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies to advise fisherfolk on safety during inclement weather.
Moreover, the Coast Guard K9 Team in Camiguin performed 32 K9 screenings on inbound vehicles and passenger baggage at the port of Balbagon and Camiguin Airport.
These operations aim to prevent the entry of illegal drugs and other illicit activities. Furthermore, the CG Sea Marshal team provided onboard security for all departing and arriving vessels to ensure passenger and crew safety.
“Personnel from CGSS Mahinog and CGSS Mambajao conducted a Bay Watch Patrol every weekend at Mantigue Island, Mahinog, and White Island, Mambajao, Camiguin Province, to intensify maritime security and keep the public and beachgoers safe,” added Peniones.
To ensure compliance with safety standards, marine pollution prevention, and seafarer competency, CGS Camiguin undertook 1,320 pre-departure inspections and two vessel safety enforcement inspections.
Personnel also executed 13 motorcycle patrols within their jurisdictions and conducted 7 coastal clean-up drives, collecting 91 sacks of assorted garbage, weighing approximately 1,400 kilograms, over a distance of three kilometers. They actively participated in the Scubasurero initiative, showing a strong commitment to environmental conservation.
Additionally, CGS Camiguin conducted information campaigns in various barangays across the province to educate fisherfolk on the Safety, Security, and Environmental Numbering System (SSEN) and safety measures during the rainy season and typhoons.
Peniones said these concerted efforts by CGS Camiguin and its sub-stations underline a robust approach to enhancing maritime security, enforcing laws, and promoting safety and environmental stewardship within Camiguin. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
