BOC Subic, Cebu launch fast patrol boats

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Bureau of Customs-Subic welcomed two fast patrol boats on May 4. Photo from BOC-Subic.
  • BOC Subic, Cebu launch fast patrol boats
  • Five fast patrol boats launched by the BOC Subic and Cebu collection districts on May 4 will be used for boarding vessels, patrolling, and pursuing suspicious craft on Philippine waters
  • BOC-Subic welcomed two fast patrol boats while BOC-Cebu inaugurated three
  • The boats are part of 20 units of 12.7-meter fast patrol boats that BOC acquired earlier

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) collection districts of Subic and Cebu have launched five fast patrol boats that will be used in boarding vessels for inspection, patrolling, and chasing suspect craft on Philippine waters.

In separate launch ceremonies on May 4, BOC-Subic welcomed two fast patrol boats while BOC-Cebu inaugurated three.

The boats are part of 20 units that BOC acquired earlier. Each is 12.7 meters long and powered by three engines with top speed of over 45 knots (83.3 kilometers) per hour. They will be used by the bureau’s Water Patrol Division (WPD) inboarding formalities, patrol, and water pursuits.

READ: BOC gets first of 20 water patrol boats

BOC-Port of Limay and the subport of Mariveles in Bataan also welcomed in April two such 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 interdiction for capacity building, and providing modern equipment to ensure stronger border control capabilities and prevent the entry of illegal commodities and anti-social goods.

In September 2020, BOC and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) signed a memorandum of agreement to intensify joint efforts to foil smuggling activities on the country’s waters. Under the MOA, PCG committed to train customs personnel on the operation and manning of patrol boats and committed to provide manpower that will operate the 20 fast boats.

In July 2021, the WPD trained its personnel on operating patrol vessels in preparation for the arrival of the fast boats.

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