In a move to bolster maritime security, the Philippine Coast Guard in Bicol, led by Coast Guard District Bicol Commander Commodore Ivan Roldan, has ramped up its operations. The initiative includes the deployment of advanced radar systems and the establishment of a protocol reporting system to monitor the region’s waters effectively.
During a recent interview, Commodore Roldan emphasized the continuous implementation of these systems, particularly in monitoring foreign vessels spotted in the eastern part of Bicol, specifically around Catanduanes. He highlighted that these systems are linked directly to the national headquarters of the Coast Guard and the National Coast Watch Center, ensuring real-time surveillance and response capabilities.
Roldan also addressed the public’s safety concerns by outlining the protocols in place for handling unidentified objects. He referenced a recent incident where fishermen in Masbate discovered a drone on December 30, 2024. He stressed that any unusual findings should be reported to the Coast Guard or the Philippine National Police, who would then coordinate with the Philippine Navy to investigate the object’s origins.