PCG to deputize PNP Maritime Group to regulate small seacraft

MANILA, Philippines - While it remains short on personnel, the Philippine Coast Guard on Wednesday said it will deputize the Philippine National Police Maritime Group to guard the country's coastal areas to curb accidents involving small seacraft. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Wednesday that the decision was reached during a meeting of representatives of the Coast Guard, Maritime Group and Maritime Industry Authority. Coast Guard commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said the PNP Maritime Group will be deputized in the monitoring and regulation of motor boats and motor bancas. Tamayo noted that while the Coast Guard needs 25,000 personnel to keep watch over the country's coastal areas, it presently has only 5,000 personnel. Some 1,000 personnel are expected to be added to the Coast Guard's ranks in 2009. The Coast Guard's personnel problems became apparent earlier this month following the sinking of two vessels off Masbate and Iloilo provinces. - GMANews.TV