Mindanaotoday.com | BOC-10 launches two fast patrol vessels
By: Bobby Lagsa
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Customs-10 (BOC-10) on Tuesday, May 17, inaugurated two fast patrol vessels (FPV) for Northern Mindanao, the first of its kind in the history of the agency in the region.
The two Cebu-made 450-horsepower FPVs is capable of speed up to 45 knots and is part of the Customs’ modernization program and reactivation of its water patrol division that will provide greater support for the custom’s high seas interdiction operations.
Special police Maj. Danielo Gonzalez, BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service’s Water Patrol Division (ESS-WPD) patrol chief, said that the ESS-WPD was revived by then Customs Commission Nicanor Faeldon in 2015.
Under the leadership of BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the government purchased 20 FPVs which cost about P300 million, and distributed them across the country.
“These vessels can prevent, suppressed, seizure, and arrest onboard vessels for violations of the customs rules and regulations,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales said that Davao port was given two FPVs, and Zamboanga received four FPVs because it has a bigger area to cover including the Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi provinces.
He said that even if the BOC in Northern Mindanao only gets two FPVs, law enforcement operations are a well-coordinated approach.
“The vessels are capable of high seas interceptions. Ideally, we (Customs) don’t need a large fleet, what is important is the coordination with the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority,” he added.
Gonzales added that by 2023, three 40-footer vessels from the coast guard will be given to Customs as additional water assets.
Collector Elvira Cruz, head of the Cagayan de Oro Customs district, said that the purpose of the two vessels is to help them monitor approaching commercial vessels to make sure that their cargoes are all legal.
“This will also help us in our coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to help us in the interdiction of illegal drugs,” Cruz said.
Gonzales added that the BOC would be working with the Philippine Coast Guard’s Coast Watch Center, the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) to monitor vessels of interest entering the country to further prevent smuggling.
The BOC have been updating its surveillance and detection with modern technology including the FPVs, X-Ray machines, ship profiling, and deployment of K9 unit.
“These vessels are very capable of boarding ships on high seas,” Gonzales said.