As part of their anti-terrorism training, Philippine Coast Guardsmen were taught by their US counterparts how to detect and intercept weapons of mass destruction.

 

The PCG said this maritime law enforcement instructor development course was part of the proliferation security initiative advocated by the United States government.

 

"The objective of the said anti-terrorism [training] primarily is to for the Philippine Coast Guard to learn new ways in detecting weapons of mass destruction. It also aims to stop its trafficking including its delivery system, advance conventional weapons and other related materials," the PCG said.

 

Commander Marco Antonio Gines, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Special Operations Group (CGSOG), said selected students from this course will also conduct the advance boarding course as well as training on radio encryption using the previously donated encrypted radio by the US Export Control and Boarder Security (EXB).

 

The US Regional EXB will handle all the programs and training to be given the PCG.

 

For his part, PCG commandant Vice Admiral Edmund Tan said the Coast Guard's role has become expansive and it therefore needs competent enforcers.

 

Tan added the training will also help to stabilize the economic and trade related activities in the archipelago.

 

The PCG commandant thanked the US embassy, through its economic counselor Joel Enrendreich, for its strong expression of friendship and cooperation.

 

The Philippines is among 90 countries that support the US-led endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) statement, which calls on partner states to undertake effective measures against those engaged in efforts to develop or acquire WMD or transfer by way of selling, receiving or facilitating WMD. — DVM, GMA News