PCG to put up detachment near Taal Lake

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard will put up a Coast Guard detachment near the Lake Taal to respond to boat accidents there, an official said Thursday. Lieutenant Commander Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the province of Talisay, Batangas, donated 48-square-meter lot to PCG and the detachment would be built on the piece of property. “The move to build a detachment was prompted by the recent accident in Taal Lake, where nine persons died when two motor bancas capsized last November 28, 2007," said Balilo. Balilo said the detachment personnel would also check the sea worthiness of all water vessels sailing in the Taal Lake. “The land is situated at Poblacion 6 market site. The detachment will monitor maritime traffic in the area of which six barangays would serve as embarking and disembarkation point going to/from Taal Volcano," he said. “The deed of donation will be formally signed by Cecil Chen of PCG Southern Tagalog and Mayor Florencio Manimtim of Talisay, Batangas, according to Balilo. - GMANews.TV