US donates equipment to support Philippines' maritime law enforcement efforts

The United States (US) government donated P3 million worth of equipment to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime law enforcement capability, according to the US Embassy in Manila on Wednesday.

The embassy said the donation consists of binoculars, waterproof digital cameras, handheld VHF radios, and first aid kits.

These items were identified by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) as common requirements for regional maritime units and special operations units to carry out more effective maritime domain monitoring and response through improved communications and trauma care.

“This donation is a tribute to the long-standing partnership between the PNP-MG and the US, and will help in maintaining law and order, preventing crimes, and maintaining internal security,” PNP-MG Director Police Brigadier General Harold Tuzon said in a statement released by the embassy.

Tuzon accepted the donation from the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at a ceremony held on Tuesday in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

INL Manila Director Kelia Cummins expressed confidence that the donated items "will enhance the PNP-MG’s ability to operate more effectively and safely across the spectrum of maritime law enforcement activities."

"INL and other US partners have maintained an enduring and mutually beneficial partnership with PNP-MG for many years. US support has helped establish PNP-MG’s Special Operations Units in Palawan and Tawi-Tawi, while specialized programs have enhanced capability in areas such as underwater crime scene investigations (UCSI) and illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing," the embassy said.

"Additional donations to PNP-MG to support UCSI are expected later this year." —VBL, GMA News