BOC Davao puts 2 fast patrol boats into service

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BOC Davao fast patrol boats
The fast patrol boats, launched on May 11, will be manned by Water Patrol Division personnel to bolster security measures against illegal maritime activities. Photo from BOC-Davao.
  • BOC Davao puts 2 fast patrol boats into service
  • The boats will bolster maritime surveillance in waters off Davao, Dadiangas, Parang, and Mati
  • Water Patrol Division personnel will man the craft, which will strengthen security measures against illegal maritime activities
  • The boats are part of 20 such vessels that BOC acquired earlier

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Davao has officially launched two fast patrol boats for use in strengthening maritime surveillance in waters off Davao, Dadiangas, Parang, and Mati, all in Mindanao.

The fast patrol boats, launched on May 11, will be manned by Water Patrol Division (WPD) personnel to bolster security measures against illegal maritime activities, the collection district said in a statement.

BOC-Davao also aims to strengthen ties with partner enforcement agencies to prevent the entry of anti-social commodities into the Davao Region, Region XII, and parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

The patrol boats have a top speed of 40 nautical miles (74 kilometers) per hour and can carry 10 passengers. Each craft, 12.7-meter-long, has a gun mount and hard shields at its portside and starboard.

They are part of 20 units that BOC had acquired earlier for use in boarding formalities, patrol, and water pursuits within the nation’s borders.

The collection districts of Limay, Subic, and Cebu earlier welcomed their own fast patrol boats, with Limay and Subic launching two each, and Cebu three.

READ: BOC Subic, Cebu launch fast patrol boats

Part of BOC’s 10-point priority program in 2021 was to reactivate its WPD, deploy additional personnel to conduct border patrol, and procure water patrol boats, surveillance equipment and other gadgets.

Among the agency’s priorities was to strengthen port surveillance and water patrol capability by increasing police manpower, conducting a series of marine interdictions for capacity building, and providing modern equipment to ensure stronger border control capabilities to prevent the entry of illegal commodities and anti-social goods.

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